OREANDA-NEWS. June 16, 2011. Dmitry Medvedev and Hu Jintao discussed bilateral cooperation in trade, the economy and humanitarian sphere, and international issues, in particular the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, and the options for resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula.

Prior to the talks at the St George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, an official welcoming ceremony was held for the President of the People’s Republic of China, who has arrived in Moscow on a state visit.

A number of bilateral documents were signed following the talks, including the Joint Statement of the Heads of State in connection with the 10th anniversary of the Russian-Chinese Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation.

Other documents signed include the Joint Statement of Russia and China on the current situation in the world and the main international issues, which set out the parties' positions on the role of the UN and ways to reform it, the efforts of the Group of Twenty to improve global economic and financial governance, cooperation within the framework of BRICS, SCO and other international formats, the issues of missile defence and space security, international information security and nuclear power safety. The document also covers such topics as counterterrorism, nuclear non-proliferation and climate change.

The Chinese party reaffirmed its support of the Russian Federation in protecting its vital interests and promoting regional peace and stability in the Caucasus and the CIS, and the development of cooperation and integration in the CIS.

The parties supported the view that the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and Iranian nuclear programme should be resolved through political dialogue and diplomatic efforts.

The parties agreed that the situation in the Middle East and North Africa must also be resolved by political means. The parties strongly believe the disputes must be settled peacefully and believe that outside forces must not interfere in the internal processes of the region’s states.

In a joint statement, Russia and China expressed concern over the crisis in Libya and noted the need for all parties involved to comply with the UN Security Council Resolutions 1979 and 1973 without interpreting or executing them in an arbitrary manner. The parties intend to continue contributing to solving the Libyan problem by political and diplomatic means through the joint efforts of the UN Security Council and support of the African Union’s initiatives.

The document also states that the Chinese party supports Russia's accession to the WTO by the end of 2011.

Following the talks, Dmitry Medvedev and President Hu Jintao gave a joint news conference.

Later, the two leaders attended a gala concert at the Kremlin, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation.

Upon completion of the programme in Moscow, Dmitry Medvedev and Hu Jintao will leave for St Petersburg, where they will attend the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.