China to minimize pollution damage to Russia
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-12-08 21:08

Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Thursday that China will spare no effort to minimize the water-borne pollution damage to Russia, which was caused by the toxic spill in the Songhua River.

Hu told visiting Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev that China will deal with the issue seriously with an attitude of "being highly responsible to the two countries and the two peoples."

"We will take all necessary and effective measures and do our utmost to minimize the pollution and reduce the damage to the Russian side," Hu said, adding that China is also ready to improve communication and consultation with Russia, provide assistance and enhance cooperation.

"I believe relevant problems will be properly solved with our joint efforts and close cooperation," Hu said.

The pollution spill in northeastern China's Songhua River was caused by an explosion at a Chinese petrochemical plant early Nov.

Medvedev told Hu that the Songhua River pollution is a common challenge to both China and Russia, and the two countries should improve cooperation to overcome difficulties and conquer the disaster.