Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday pledged to work with Russia to contain a river-borne toxic slick, which was caused by an explosion at a Chinese chemical plant and is expected to hit Russian territory this week.

In a brief discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the first Russia-ASEAN summit, Wen and Putin agreed that the November 13 incident should not harm bilateral relations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao told reporters.

"Putin has noted the important measures taken by China and said that he hopes that both sides can continue their cooperation on mitigating the damage brought on by this pollution incident," Liu said.

The comments came a day after the two countries launched a joint mission to monitor the flow of the toxic spill, which dumped 100 tonnes of benzene compounds into China's Songhua River, as it edges near Russia's Amur River.

Wen also met with Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark yesterday on strengthening mutual political trust and economic cooperation.

He said China supports a transparent and open East Asia cooperation, welcoming New Zealand to attend the East Asia Summit.

Clark said New Zealand enjoys a close relationship with East Asia, and is willing to consult with China during the summit.

(China Daily December 14, 2005)