BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said here Tuesday Russia attached great importance to cooperation with China at the regional level.

    He made the remarks in an interview with Chinese media Tuesday during his first official visit to China since he took office as prime minister last May.

    China and Russia concluded a bilateral planning outline of regional cooperation between northeast China and the Russian Far East Region and Eastern Siberia in September.

    "China has worked out a plan for revitalization of its northeastern industrial bases and Russia has plans for developing its Far East region, Baikal region and Eastern Siberia", said Putin. "It will be mutually beneficial for both countries to coordinate regional development."

    At the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Putin arrived here Monday evening for a three-day official visit. Wen hosted a welcome ceremony Tuesday for Putin outside the eastern gate of the Great Hall of the People before their private talks and a larger session involving ministerial officials from both sides.