Jiang Zemin Welcomes Russian, U.S. Mutual Intentions To Cut Nuclear Arsenals

On Monday Jiang Zemin, President of the People's Republic of China, in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the intentions of Russia and the United States mutually to reduce their nuclear arsenals. This was said by the press service of the Russian head of state. According to it, the telephone conversation was held on initiative from Vladimir Putin. The Russian president informed Jiang Zemin on the main results of the Russian-American summit. The Chinese president set high store by the agreements reached in course of Vladimir Putin's visit to the United States. Noting the sides' intention to follow the road of mutual reduction of nuclear arsenals, the Chinese leader stressed that such decisions meet the interests of not only Russia and the United States but also the entire international community. Vladimir Putin and Jiang Zemin again stated the close proximity of the positions of Russia and China regarding the antimissile defense treaty. Equally topical, in the opinion of the two heads of state, is their interaction in the struggle against international terrorism. The need of it under the aegis of the United Nations was emphasized. The Russian and Chinese leaders spoke up for reinvigorating efforts of the United Nations in the Afghanistan settlement. They expressed satisfaction that the UN central role in Afghanistan enjoys broad support in the world. Vladimir Putin and Jiang Zemin stressed the importance of regular meetings and contacts as an important indicator of a high level of mutual trust, reports the Kremlin press service.