On the morning of February 27, 2003, Vice President Hu Jintao met with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu said that since President Putin’s successful visit to China last year, China-Russia relations have further developed. The leaders of the two countries have maintained close contact. The two sides have strengthened consultation and coordination on major international issues, making active efforts for the maintenance of world peace and stability. Bilateral cooperation in other areas has also progressed. The Chinese side, in the spirit of strategic coordination, will work with the Russian side to fully implement China-Russia Treaty of Good-neighborly and Friendly Cooperation, and work unswervingly for the sound, sustained and stable development of China-Russia good-neighborly and friendly relations of cooperation.

On the Iraqi issue, Hu emphasized that war should be avoided with the utmost effort either with a view to maintaining regional and world peace and development, or out of humanitarian consideration. It is not only the common wish of the international community, but also conforms to the interest of all relevant parties. It is imperative to continue to implement Resolution 1441 and try to solve the Iraqi issue politically within the UN framework. Hu also reiterated the position of the Chinese government on the DPRK nuclear issue.

Ivanov fully agreed with Hu’s assessment of bilateral relations. He said that the two countries have cooperated well within the framework of Russia-China Treaty of Good-neighborly and Friendly Cooperation, with close exchanges at all levels. The Russian policy of good-neighborly friendship towards China is a strategic and historical choice, and should be continued. Ivanov spoke positively of bilateral cooperation in the international field and said that it is of special importance for the two countries to strengthen cooperation under current circumstances. He also briefed Hu on the Russian stance on the Iraqi and DPRK nuclear issues. Ivanov expressed condolences on the loss of life and property caused by the earthquakes in Xinjiang.