Medvedev, who arrived in Beijing early Tuesday for an official visit, is scheduled to visit east China's Anhui Province, Li's home province, and deliver a speech in front of a group of university students on Wednesday.

"I suggested (during the meeting) that Prime Minister Medvedev tell that story as he meets the Chinese students tomorrow," Li said.

"(Russia's work to cut the flood peaks) helped China and showed Russia's friendship with China," said the Chinese premier.

"(We) should let the Chinese youth know that (the friendship) is not past history," he added.

"I will," said the smiling Russian prime minister.