Leaders Of Russia And China Discuss Bilateral Relations And Fight Against Terrorism

Issues of the development of bilateral Russian-Chinese relations, of strategic stability, of the fight against terrorism and of strategic partnership between Russia and China were discussed by the leaders of the two countries, Vladimir Putin and Jiang Zemin, on October 20. They had a meeting in the context of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) in Shanghai. Receiving Vladimir Putin in his residence, Hotel Jinjiang, Jiang Zemin welcomed him in Russian and said that he was glad to see the Russian President in Shanghai. In discussing the fight against terrorism, the sides agreed that in order to combat this evil the international community must make united, solidary efforts. Vladimir Putin and Jiang Zemin also discussed the Afghan problem. The sides agreed that a coalition government should be formed in Afghanistan to represent all basic sound political forces and ethnic groups. Afghanistan must be friendly towards its neighbours and a worthy member of the international community, pointed out the leaders of Russia and China.