The two leaders spoke in favour of maintaining and strengthening international strategic stability, the cornerstone of which is the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. In particular, they discussed Russian-American dialogue on this issue. Mr Putin told the Chinese Vice President about his meetings with US President George W. Bush. The two leaders also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, prospects for settling the conflict and developing the country in the post-Taliban period, the coordination of efforts to combat international terrorism, and issues related to bilateral military, technical and economic cooperation.
Mr Hu said that the All-Chinese Assembly of People’s Representatives had approved the Treaty on Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the two countries. Earlier that day, the Russian President had introduced the treaty to the State Duma.