The two leaders discussed the possibilities of promoting multilateral Russian-Chinese partnership, notably in the economic, military-technical and border control spheres, as well as their interaction on the international scene in promoting the principles of multipolarity.
The acting president spoke highly about the contribution of Russia’s first president, Boris Yeltsin, and Chinese President Jiang Zemin to the revival and development of Russian-Chinese relations. Mr Putin confirmed the Russian leadership’s firm commitment to the agreements reached at the previous summits.
Mr Putin asked General Chi Haotian to convey his best regards to the Chinese president and gratitude for the invitation to visit China. The acting president said he had very warm memories of his meeting with the Chinese president in New Zealand in September 1999.
Defence Minister Chi Haotian confirmed the Chinese leadership’s full support for the anti-terrorist efforts of the Russian authorities in Chechnya. He also said Russia and China had the same attitude to the struggle against separatism, extremism and terrorism.
Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev, Deputy Chief of Staff Sergei Prikhodko, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergei Ivanov, and Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin attended the talks.