Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday met with visiting Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo to discuss bilateral ties and the current world financial crisis.

Medvedev hailed the smooth development of the Russia-China strategic partnership of cooperation in various fields. It is important for the two nations to strengthen cooperation and consultation on strategic, diplomatic and security issues, and they need to jointly cope with the current international financial crisis, he said.

Dai, for his part, said leaders of the two countries have held a number of meetings so far this year, helping to boost bilateral ties. China is willing to strengthen cooperation and consultation with Russia to better cope with the challenges of the current turbulent world, he added.

Dai also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday to exchange views on the current international situation. Both officials pledged to enhance cooperation in the face of such challenges as the world financial crisis and food shortage, and jointly contribute to world peace and stability.

Dai arrived here Wednesday on an official visit to Russia at the invitation of Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev.

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2008)