In a written statement delivered upon his arrival at Moscow's international airport, Wen Jiabao hailed the recent level of the China-Russia partnership as unprecedented.

He said the two nations have greatly benefited from expanding their shared interests, increasing mutual trust, and enhancing cooperation in international and regional affairs.

The Chinese premier said the co

ntinuing development of bilateral ties not only conforms to the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples, but is conducive to peace and stability in the world at large.

Wen Jiabao is scheduled to hold his 13th regular meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. He will also exchange views with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and parliamentary leaders on a wide range of issues.

Russia is the first leg of Wen Jiabao's two-nation tour, which will also take him to Kazakhstan on Wednesday, where he'll attend the 7th prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.