President Hu Jintao arrived in Moscow Sunday for celebrations marking Russia's victory in World War II.

During his stay in Moscow, Hu will join more than 50 other state leaders for the May 9 celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the victory of Russia's Great Patriotic War.

On the sidelines of the celebrations, Hu will meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss ways to further promote bilateral ties as well as major international and regional issues of common concern.

Hu will also meet other heads of state and government attending the celebrations.

Hu's Russia tour is aimed at promoting the Sino-Russian strategic cooperation partnership, enhancing political mutual trust and highlighting China's independent foreign policy of peace and its determination to seek a peaceful development.

Hu will also meet Russian veterans, who have helped China in fighting against Japanese invaders in World War II, or their representatives.

The Soviet Union fought 80 percent of the German Fascist forces in the main anti-fascist war theater in Europe, which cost the Soviet Union 27 million lives and immeasurable national wealth. Seldom has any other country or people in the history made a sacrifice so great to win a war of national defense.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2005)