Russia, China to boost bilateral trade

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev yesterday met his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao in New York and discussed bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern.

Both the leaders were in New York for the UN climate change summit, the general debate of the UN General Assembly and a Security Council summit on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

Hu briefed Medvedev on China's economic conditions, saying China's stimulus package and other measures taken amid the international financial crisis have brought about tangible results, while the economy still faces some difficulties.

China would stick to a proactive fiscal policy and a moderately easy monetary policy, focus on boosting domestic demand, consumption in particular, step up industrial restructuring and promote innovation, Hu said.

Hu also expressed his hope that the customs of the two countries would continue working to strengthen customs supervision and facilitate customs clearance to ensure the orderly and healthy growth of bilateral trade.

''We have regular meetings. Even if any meetings are postponed, this will not change the nature of bilateral dialogue, which is the basis of strategic partnership,'' Medvedev told reporters after the meeting.