(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-22 19:46

Medvedev spoke highly of the theme years -- the Year of Russia in China in 2006 and the Year of China in Russia in 2007, describing them as significant events in the history of relations between the two nations.

The grandiose events, involving people from all walks of life in both countries, bore testimony to not only the high level of bilateral relations and coordination, but also the good-neighborly friendship that connects the two peoples, the Russian leader said.

The present task is to gain momentum from the theme years to facilitate economic and cultural cooperation in the decades to come, he added.

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On his upcoming two-day visit to China starting Friday, Medvedev said any topic of interest to both sides could be discussed.

"I hope that consultations between me and Chinese President Hu Jintao, as well as other Chinese leaders, will cover a wide range of issues," he said. "I am full of expectation for the visit, which will be substantial and constructive."

ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Consolidated ties have triggered an increase in bilateral trade volume in recent years, Medvedev said, adding that two-way trade volume is targeted to reach 60 billion US dollars this year.

Chinese imports from Russia mainly include products from the energy and technological sectors. The two sides should also emphasise the optimization of trade structure, apart from increasing trade volume, he said.

Russia has paid close attention to the development of the Chinese economy, the demands of which are totally very different from those 10 to 15 years ago, Medvedev pointed out.

In the present scenario, Russia has to strengthen the competitiveness of its enterprises, and manufacture products of higher standard, the president said.

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