The two Presidents attended the gala performance at the State Kremlin Palace of the Spring Symphony, which opened the Year of China in Russia.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Putin said he was confident that many of the economic, scientific and cultural initiatives put forward last year will be developed in worthy fashion.
The opening of the Year of China in Russia marks the ascension towards new heights in the partnership between the two countries, Mr Putin said. Russia and China are not simply close neighbours, but are two great civilisations, the history and culture of which carry an immense power of mutual cultural and spiritual attraction.
See also
Opening Ceremony of the Year of China in Russia
March 26, 2007