SIX DECADES ON: Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev attend a gala concert celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on June 17 (RAO AIMIN)

How can two large countries get along with other? The partnership between China and Russia provides a telling example. Chinese President

Hu Jintao made this revelation while meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow during a visit to Russia on June 16-18.

"The China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation has become a model for relationships between big countries and neighbors," Hu said.

Hu visited Russia as the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with China on October 2, 1949, the day after the founding of the People's Republic.

While meeting with Medvedev, Hu recalled the development of China-Russia relations in the past six decades, especially the achievements they have made since they forged a strategic partnership of cooperation in 1996, according to a news release from China's Foreign Ministry.

The two countries have formed perfect meeting and cooperation mechanisms at all levels, resolved their border issue and deepened pragmatic cooperation in all areas, Hu said.

Two-way trade between China and Russia rose from several billion dollars in the early 1990s to a record $56.83 billion last year. The two countries also achieved a historic breakthrough in their energy cooperation when they signed an intergovernmental agreement on oil cooperation in April.

The bilateral partnership between China and Russia is a priority in China's diplomacy, Hu said. Strengthening good neighborly friendship and strategic cooperation with Russia has been, is and will remain China's firm guiding principle, he added.

However, it is natural for the two countries to have different views on some issues given their different national conditions. When dealing with these issues, both sides should take the sound and steady development of bilateral relations into consideration, Hu said.

"The two countries should carry forward the concept of peace in fostering friendship from generation to generation and never view each other with hostility," Hu said.

Against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, it is even more important for China and Russia to enhance substantial cooperation and promote common development, Hu said. He suggested that they focus on cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and energy, including renewable energy, as well as cooperation at local levels.

The 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the hosting of language years in each country present new opportunities for cultural exchange, Hu said.

The Year of the Russian Language was launched in Beijing in March. The Year of the Chinese Language will be staged in Russia next year. China held the Year of Russia in 2006, and the following year witnessed the Year of China in Russia.

With regard to coordination on international affairs, Hu said China and Russia should work with each other to promote multipolarization and democracy in international relations, reform the international financial system, strengthen dialogue on strategic issues and contribute to the settlement of regional hotspot issues.

Hu also met with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the Russian State Duma Boris Gryzlov. During Hu's

visit, China and Russia signed memorandums of understanding on cooperation in the fields of natural gas, coal and precious metal and on trade in electromechanical products.