Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Russia will provide assistance for the "Year of China" in his country next year to allow Russian people to better understand their Asian neighbour.

He made the pledge during a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum.

The two countries celebrated "Year of Russia" in China this year, holding a series of activities ranging from artistic performances to exhibitions on industrial products. Both sides believe that activities are good for promoting mutual understanding.

During the meeting, the leaders expressed their intention of working together to push forward the bilateral strategic partnership.

"Relations between China and Russia have made historic progress since the two sides forged a strategic partnership of co-ordination 10 years ago," Hu was quoted as saying in the meeting.

Bilateral economic and trade relations have maintained good momentum, said Hu, calling for more co-operation in electro-mechanical products and advanced technology.

China is willing to increase investment in Russia in energy development, processing and manufacturing, infrastructure and high-tech research, said Hu.

China's co-operation with Russia in such fields as science and technology, power, aerospace, aviation, public health, environmental protection and culture should be strengthened, he added.

Putin said that Russia-China trade has developed rapidly, adding that Russia has launched construction of its longest oil pipeline from eastern Siberia to the Pacific Ocean.

The two presidents also talked about the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, with both calling for settlement of the issue through dialogue.

Also on Saturday, Hu met Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Michael Somare, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria de Lourdes Aranda Bezaury, who is the representative of Mexican President Vicente Fox.

Hu on Saturday also held a separate meeting with Donald Tsang, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Hu said he is pleased with the continued economic growth, social stability and improvement of people's lives Hong Kong has achieved over the past year or so.

The HKSAR government now should make utmost efforts to maintain and consolidate this trend while preparing for the election of the Chief Executive Election Committee, Hu said.

Source: China Daily