At the invitations of President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of the Russian Federation, President Jacques Chirac of the Republic of France, President Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan and President Nachagyn Bagabandy of Mongolia, President Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China will pay state visits to the Russian Federation, the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia from May 26th to June 5th 2003. During his tour, he will also attend the third Summit Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to be held in Moscow, the celebrations of the tri-centennial anniversary of the establishment of the city of St. Petersburg and the leaders’ informal dialogue meeting between the North and the South to be held at Evian, France. During the multilateral events, President Hu Jintao will also meet with leaders from some other countries.

This is the very first overseas visit of the Chinese President since China’s new central leadership took office. During his visits, President Hu Jintao will have extensive contact with foreign leaders and figures from all circles, exchange views with them on bilateral relations and major international issues of common interest and sign a series of important documents of cooperation. President Hu Jintao’s visits will further enhance the friendly relationship between China and the relevant countries and will promote regional and international cooperation.