Chinese, Russian presidents vow to lift bilateral ties to new level(2)

Hu said China was ready to work with Russia to yield more results at the summit on charting the course for future development and advancing the pragmatic cooperation among the SCO members.

Medvedev said he believed the summit would be a success and further promote the rapid and sound development of the organization.

The two presidents also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Hu said China and Russia shared a common stance on maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula.

He said the present situation on the peninsula was particularly complex and sensitive.

China was ready to continue cooperating with Russia and urged all the relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, Hu said, calling for improved relations through dialogue and contacts to safeguard peace and stability on the peninsula.

Medevdev said Russia shared China's view on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, pledging to continue to maintain close communication and coordination with China on the issue.

On the Syrian crisis, Hu said both China and Russia shared the stance that the international community should respect Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, territorial integrity and its people's choice.

He said China supported the mediation efforts of U.N. special envoy Kofi Annan and was ready to work with Russia and the international community to play a constructive role in properly resolving the Syrian crisis.

Medevdev said Russia was ready to work with China to push for an immediate end to violence, prevent the intense situation from escalating and urged the Syrian government and all other parties to resolve the issue peacefully.

The two presidents agreed to make join efforts to yield desirable results at the BRICS summit.

They also pledged to strengthen pragmatic cooperation and coordination on international affairs among the members and send a signal of unity, confidence and win-win cooperation to the outside world.