An official greeting ceremony between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Chinese President Hu Jintao marked the beginning of the Russian President's visit to China. An honour guard stood in formation before the Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square. The Russian and Chinese national anthems were played and an artillery salute was fired to honour the Russian President.
The ceremony was followed by talks between Mr Medvedev and Mr Hu. The two leaders were later joined by their countries’ delegations for talks in expanded format.
Mr Medvedev and Mr Hu concluded the talks with the signature of a joint Russian-Chinese declaration on key international issues. A package of bilateral documents was also signed in the two Presidents’ presence. The documents include an agreement on uranium enrichment and supplies, and agreements on cooperation in aviation technology, forestry, the banking sector, and tourism.
The two Presidents then made press statements. Summing up the first day of the visit, Mr Medvedev said he is happy with the results achieved.
President Hu Jintao later hosted an official dinner in honour of Mr Medvedev.