Russia, China for peaceful solution to Iran NI

Moscow, Mar 27: Expressing common concern over Iranian nuclear problem, a joint declaration adopted following the summit-level talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his visiting Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao said Russia and China were for a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

''Russia and China emphasise that the problem of Iran's nuclear programme must be resolved through exclusively peaceful methods and at the negotiating table,'' the declaration noted.

After the talks yesterday, President Putin told reporters that top-level talks between Russia and China once again confirmed the strategic nature of the bilateral partnership.

He said Mr Jintao's visit to Moscow was a further proof of the intensive development of bilateral contacts, adding that they met six times last year.

''In my opinion, this tradition strengthens the degree of business cooperation between Russia and China,'' he stressed.

Mr Putin pointed out that political dialogue, business and humanitarian ties had intensified and ''cooperation in regional and international affairs has markedly strengthened''.

The Russian leader said foreign policy matters received the bulk of attention at the Moscow summit.

He said both sides agreed to continue interaction within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

''We are convinced that our joint efforts will help maintain stability in Russia and China, stability in Central Asia and the Asian- Pacific region,'' he added.

On his part, Mr Jintao said the negotiations with Mr Putin in Moscow were fruitful.

''We held a detailed exchange of opinions on ways to deepen our strategic interaction and broaden our business cooperation in a variety of areas. We also exchanged our views on key international and regional problems,'' he said.

''Mr President and I reached new important agreements on all issues we discussed. Our negotiations produced crucial results,'' the Chinese leader said adding that ''we held quite businesslike talks in a warm and trusting atmosphere. We summed up our important experience in developing China-Russia partnership relations and strategic cooperation over the last ten years. We expressed our satisfaction with the baggage of results achieved over this period of time in our comprehensive cooperation,'' he said.

''For a long historical period, we have offered an example of the way harmonious and equal relations among peoples should be built,'' President Putin said.

UNI