Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a written interview with Xinhua ahead of a two-day state visit to China that Russia and China promote the prosperity of both countries. expand cooperation that is equal and mutually beneficial in the economic and cultural fields.
In the interview, Putin said that foreign policy coordination between the two countries promotes the creation of a fair multipolar world order that supports the future success of Russia-China integrated strategic partnership for a new era.
Putin said that modern Russia-China relations transcend ideology and are an independent strategic choice by both countries regardless of the political situation. Both countries are jointly committed to maintaining sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
“We met for the first time in March 2010 and have been meeting and calling regularly since then. President Xi maintains a respectful, friendly, open and at the same time communication style,” said Putin. The meeting was not only a dialogue between old friends, but also a fruitful exchange of bilateral and international plans.
Putin recalled that in 2013, as the head of state of China, he chose Russia as the first place of his state visit to Russia. After being re-elected as the president of China last March, his first state visit was again to Russia. They spent about five hours, had a deep conversation with each other, and then the day of the official event was held.
This shows that deep and long-standing friendship and cooperation between the people of Russia and China has become one of the most important pillars of bilateral relations. Today, the relationship between Russia and China has reached the highest level in history, and despite the difficult international situation, the relationship continues to grow, he said.
Noting that this year is special for both countries, Putin is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, marking this important historical event in October with great achievements.
As a trusted ally for a long time, Russia applauds China’s achievements and says the two countries’ relationship has taken a long and sometimes difficult path, learning from various stages of a quarter-century.
He said now, additional benefits are a strong impetus for the comprehensive and rapid development of bilateral relations.
Emphasizing practical cooperation in the field of trade and economy, Putin said that the rapid development of Russian-Chinese trade relations shows a strong immunity to external challenges and crises.
Trade between the two countries has doubled in the past five years, and China has been Russia’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, and Russia will rank fourth among China’s trading partners in 2023, he said. According to Putin, more than 90 percent of transactions between companies from the two countries are made in the national currency.
Putin said that the two sides are constantly and steadily developing strategic cooperation in the energy sector, working on new large-scale energy projects.
The supply of Russian agricultural products to the Chinese market shows positive dynamics, investment and production initiatives are implemented, and the transportation and logistics corridor between the two countries is functioning and developing smoothly, he said.
“I believe that the future of Russian-Chinese economic relations is great,” Putin said.
Join hands for future success of Russia-China partnership: Putin
