Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Russia counterpart, Vladimir Putin, have pledged to strengthen bilateral ties this year by promoting cultural exchanges between their countries.
China's official Xinhua news agency reports Monday the two leaders made the pledge as they exchanged greetings New Year's Eve. China has designated 2006 as the "Year of Russia", and Mr. Hu promised to make the program a complete success. Russia will hold a similar series of cultural events known as the "Year of China" in 2007.
Mr. Hu says China and Russia have a joint responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the world. The two countries have improved their relations in recent years, especially on regional security issues.
Some information for thisr eport provided by AFP.