Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed on Wednesday a resolution to hold the Year of Russia in China in 2006 and the Year of China in Russia in 2007, according to reports from the presidential press service.  

The resolution was signed by Putin on the eve of a state visit by President Hu Jintao to Russia.

According to the resolution, the organizing committee will be led by Dmitry Medvedev, presidential chief of staff.

The decision to hold the Year of Russia in China and the Year of China in Russia was made by the leaders of the two countries during Putin's visit to China in October 2004, said a source from the Chinese Embassy in Russia.

The Russian presidential press service has not disclosed what activities will be held during the two years.

(Xinhua News Agency June 30, 2005)