They discussed the key aspects of Russian-Chinese relations. Mr Putin said that Russia and China had practically no differences. Bilateral relations were positively developing at a very good pace.
Mr Putin and Mr Tang also discussed foreign political problems on which Russia and China had close stances—the situation round the ABM Treaty, inter-Korean settlement, the reform of the United Nations, partnership within the Shanghai Five, and global security issues.
The two men paid major attention to preparations for Chinese President Jiang Zemin’s visit to Russia, due the next summer.