Bilateral relations

Sino-Russian relations have strengthened steadily since the signing of the bilateral Good-neighborly Friendship and Cooperation Treaty in 2001, Medvedev said, adding that mutual coordination is making progress in every field.

"The three-year plan inked by the leaders of the two countries has completed its term. We are now going to make a new plan, which will further enhance bilateral relations," he said.

Medvedev spoke highly of the theme years -- the Year of Russia in China in 2006 and the Year of China in Russia in 2007, describing them as significant events in the history of relations between the two nations.

The grandiose events, involving people from all walks of life in both countries, bore testimony to not only the high level of bilateral relations and coordination, but also the good-neighborly friendship that connects the two peoples, the Russian leader said.

The present task is to gain momentum from the theme years to facilitate economic and cultural cooperation in the decades to come, he added.

On his upcoming two-day visit to China starting Friday, Medvedev said any topic of interest to both sides could be discussed.

"I hope that consultations between me and Chinese President Hu Jintao, as well as other Chinese leaders, will cover a wide range of issues," he said. "I am full of expectation for the visit, which will be substantial and constructive."