Chinese President Hu Jintao called Thursday for constant communication between China and Russia on bilateral ties and major regional and global issues.

Hu made the remarks while meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Chinese President Hu Jintao shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 16 during their meeting in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Both leaders commended the Russia Year in China and China Year in Russia, a series of theme activities held alternatively in the two countries during the last two years, proposing to make it a regular event.

"Work on the China-Russia commercial chamber of machinery and electric products should begin at an early date," Hu said.

Echoing Hu, Putin also said full play should be given to the role of the commercial chamber.

To further expand bilateral trade, Hu urged the two sides to speed up negotiations on the construction of the pipeline to transport crude oil and natural gas and expand mutual investments.

The two leaders proposed to strengthen regional ties by developing a local cooperation strategy with both medium and long-term programs. Putin expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation between the Far East region of Russia and China's Northeastern region.

Hu called for the strengthening of cooperative protection and use of trans-border water resources and hoped the two sides would soon sign an agreement in this regard.

Putin said Russia wishes to enhance cooperation with China in energy, electricity, civil aviation, telecommunication and environmental protection.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2007)