Chinese premier leaves Beijing for Kyrgyzstan, Russia

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao left Tuesday morning to pay visit to Kyrgyzstan and Russia and attend the third meeting of prime ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states and the ninth regular meeting between prime ministers of China and Russia.

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Li Hui said earlier that during Wen's visit to Kyrgyzstan, the first by a Chinese premier in 10 years, the leaders from the two countries will sign an agreement to outline cooperative programs within the next decade.

During his stay in Russia, Wen is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, hold talks with Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, and confers with State Duma Chairman Boris Cryzlov and Federation Council Chairman Sergei Mironov.

Wen's entourage included Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and several other ministers.

Chinese Vice-Premier Wu Yi has already been in Russia to make preparatory work for Sino-Russian prime ministers meeting.