Chinese, Russian presidents exchange New Year greetings

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday exchanged New Year greetings with each other and wished ties between the two countries more progress in 2013.

In his message, Hu said the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership has gained new headway in 2012. High-level exchanges have become closer and the two sides achieved a broad consensus on a slew of major issues.

Two-way trade volume has maintained momentum of growth. Pragmatic cooperation between China and Russia has shown an upbeat situation of turning from traditional trade to joint research and development, joint investment, and joint production, Hu said.

Cultural exchanges were booming, while the activities staged under the theme of the Russia Year of Tourism have been fruitful, he said.

The Chinese president also highlighted the smooth coordination and cooperation between China and Russia on regional and international affairs.

Hu said both China and Russia experienced important domestic political agenda and drew out their blueprints of national development and revival in 2012, which brought new opportunities for the advance of China-Russia relations and created a broader prospect.

In the new year, Hu said China is ready to make joint efforts with Russia to implement the 10-year development plan for the bilateral ties and boost practical cooperation and strategic coordination in various fields.

He said China will endeavor to hold a successful China Year of Tourism in Russia and strengthen consultation and coordination with Moscow on world and regional hot-spot issues, and promote the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership to a new stage.

Putin, in his message, spoke highly of the momentum of active development of the relationship between Russia and China.

He said he was ready to continue joint efforts with the Chinese side to push forward the bilateral ties to greater development in the new year.