President Hu Jintao said on Monday that the relationship with Russia has been China's diplomatic priority.

He made the comment while meeting with Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Lavrov.

  Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with visiting Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, July 21, 2008. Hu said on Monday that the relationship with Russia has been China's diplomatic priority. (Xinhua Photo)

"We will work with Russia to deepen strategic coordination and upgrade the partnership to new heights," said Hu.

Describing current Sino-Russian relations as stable and healthy, Hu mentioned his two meetings with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and comprehensive cooperation and consultation in international affairs.

Hu particularly expressed thanks for the support of Russia on the Taiwan, Tibetan and Olympics issues, as well as its assistance after the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan Province.

"All these demonstrate the friendship between the two states and peoples," Hu said, calling the two countries good neighbors, friends and partners.

Lavrov said China and Russia had enjoyed an advanced relationship as the two countries maintained consultations in international and regional issues.

He said Russia hoped to promote security consultation and energy resource negotiation mechanisms with China, and to realize the good-neighborly treaty of friendship and cooperation.

He said Russia would give a warm receiving to children from China's earthquake-hit zone who were recuperating in Russia.

(Xinhua News Agency July 22, 2008)