As for himself, Putin said sports, which have helped him keep fit and gain an inner balance, did a lot in shaping his personality. He believed that every sport is good in some aspects and everyone can pick up one that suits him- or herself.

Talking about judo and skiing, which he favors and is good at, Putin said judo is a physical and mental exercise. It develops one's strength, reaction and endurance, educates one about self-control and observation, and requires sustained self-perfection, which he said are qualities indispensable for politicians.

Putin praised highly the Chinese-Russian relationship and expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue developing rapidly and bringing benefits to their two peoples.

"Russia and China have a unique mechanism of regular meetings between their premiers, which is conducive to finding coordinated solutions to problems and achieving win-win results," Putin said.

Efforts to consolidate cultural and trade cooperation are an indispensable extension of the Russia-China political dialogue of mutual trust, he said, adding that events during the reciprocal national years in Russia and China showed broad prospects for continuing the dialogue, consolidating the economic and trade links and enhancing friendship and mutual trust.

Some of the interesting activities during the national years, such as seminars, trade fairs, cultural festivals and sports events, will be held again in the future, said Putin.

The two sides are planning to host the "Year of the Russian Language" in China and the "Year of the Chinese Language" in Russia. Young people are most welcome to the events, as they will pass the Sino-Russian friendship to the new generation, he said.

On the massive earthquake that hit southwest China in May, Putin said it is necessary to "give our helping hand to the Chinese." A total of 1,000 children in the affected area would come to Russia for rehabilitation this year.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)