BEIJING - China and Russia on Tuesday pledged to further boost cooperation as President Hu Jintao and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held talks in Beijing.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during a welcoming ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, June 5, 2012. Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday to attend the 12th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). [Photo/Xinhua]

"The China-Russia relationship has maintained a positive, healthy and stable momentum of development over the recent years with the two sides' joint efforts," said the Chinese president.

Hu said he and Putin have agreed to take it as a diplomatic priority to further develop ties between the two nations.

Before the formal talks, Hu and Putin held a close-door meeting on some major issues.

Prior to the meeting, Hu held a red-carpet welcoming ceremony for Putin at the Great Hall of the People.

Invited by Hu, Putin is paying a state visit to China from June 5 to 7. He will attend the 12th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the SCO scheduled to be held in Beijing on Wednesday to Thursday.