Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing Thursday
morning, kicking off a three-day state visit as guest of his
Chinese counterpart Hu
Jintao.
During his stay in Beijing, Putin will exchange views with Hu on
issues of bilateral ties, and on international and regional issues
of shared concern. Also, both countries will sign a joint
communique and a series of important cooperation documents.
Putin's visit is an important part of the celebrations of the
55th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between the
two nations. He and Hu will attend a series of commemorative
activities.
Besides Beijing, he will visit the historical city of Xi'an in
northwest China's Shaanxi
Province.
This is Putin's third visit to China and also his first visit in
his second presidential term.
(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2004)
