NEW DELHI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met here Tuesday evening with Indian President Abdul Kalam.

The two presidents highly valued bilateral traditional friendship and cultural exchanges, and said they believe that China-India cooperation is of global significance.

Hu said he is convinced that Sino-Indian strategic and cooperative partnership will make greater progress in the future.

Kalam said Hu's visit is a historic milestone in bilateral relations which will continue to score achievements in various fields.

He said India will spare no effort to inject vigor into bilateral relations and work with China to push forward bilateral partnership.

Before the meeting, the two presidents addressed youth representatives from the two countries at a gathering in celebration of the China-India friendship year.

Hu arrived here Monday evening on a state visit as Kalam's guest.

This is the first visit to India by Chinese head of state in 10years.

India is the third leg of Hu's four-nation tour, which has already taken him to Vietnam and Laos. He will later visit Pakistan.

Hu also attended the 14th APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders' Meeting between Nov. 17 and 19 in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam.