Jiang said he and Putin had already discussed issues of common concern and reached broad consensus. He would like to further exchange views on bilateral relations with Putin.

Putin extended his congratulations to the successful conclusion of the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, commending it "not only a major event in China's political life, but a major event in the international arena."

The Russia-China relations have "reached a quite high level," he said, noting Russia is willing to cooperate with China so as to usher bilateral ties into a new phase.

The two heads of state just finished their closed-door talks. By press time, the official talks are still going on.

Jiang and Putin will sign a joint statement and attend the signing ceremony of other bilateral cooperative documents after the talks.

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2002)