国内英语新闻:China, Russia seek stronger strategic ties

BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia Tuesday pledged to work together to take their strategic partnership of coordination to a new high.

"It serves the strategic interests and common aspiration of both countries to elevate the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination," Chinese President Hu Jintao told the visiting Russian State Duma Chairman Boris Gryzlov Tuesday.

Gryzlov is leading a delegation to Beijing for the fourth meeting of the cooperative committee between China's National People's Congress (NPC) and Russian State Duma.

Hu visited Moscow ten days ago to attend the celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War over Nazi Germany.Recalling the visit to Moscow, Hu said he was impressed by the commemorative events.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with Boris Gryzlov, chairman of Russia's State Duma, in Beijing, capital of China, May 18, 2010.

Gryzlov appreciated Hu's attendance at the commemoration, stressing Russia and China share the same view of the war.

While reviewing the bilateral relationship this year, Hu highlighted close contacts between leaders, strong, substantive cooperation, and frequent people-to-people exchanges.

Hu said the complicated and capricious international situation posed important opportunities and challenges for China and Russia.

"China would like to work with Russia to boost the sound and fast growth of bilateral relationship," Hu said.

On legislative front, Hu called for the legislative bodies of China and Russia to play out their advantages and contribute to the overall bilateral relationship.

Earlier Tuesday, Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, held talks with Gryzlov at the Great Hall of the People.