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President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Mr President of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao, Chinese friends, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Moscow for your state visit.

Relations between Russia and China are developing at a very good pace, and our meetings have become regular: both of us have just taken part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Astana, and now I am happy to welcome you in Moscow.

We have an extensive joint agenda, which is to begin in Moscow with our talks and continue at the  Background information St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) St Petersburg Economic Forum, and I would like to thank you for agreeing to take part in it. I believe it will make a vital contribution to boosting the intensity of Russian-Chinese relations and reflect the strategic partnership that has existed between our two states for ten years: this year we are celebrating the 10^th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation.

During the talks, we will review all aspects of economic cooperation and humanitarian ties, and will also talk about international affairs. That is absolutely as it should be because we are close neighbours and enjoy truly close relations, and it is essential for us to hold regular consultations, which is why Mr President and I meet very often and always have time to discuss important matters.

Once again I would like to welcome you and the entire Chinese delegation and say that we are very pleased to welcome you to our country.

President of China Hu Jintao: (re-translated) President Medvedev, it is a great pleasure to meet with you again. First of all, on behalf of all my colleagues I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your warm invitation and for asking me to take part in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

I think that our regular thorough exchange of views on a wide range of topical issues is one of the main reasons for the dynamic and successful development of Russian-Chinese relations. I also clearly remember that two months ago you visited the city of Sanya in Hainan Province at my invitation, where both of us took part in the 2011 BRICS Summit. Also at our invitation you made a wonderful speech at the Boao Forum for Asia. Yesterday, we jointly participated in the anniversary SCO summit in Astana, and today we meet again in Moscow.

I firmly believe that though our joint efforts this visit is certain to be a resounding success. In the course of the visit, I will be happy to share with you my views on bilateral issues, as well as on all other matters of mutual interest.

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