“Unprecedentedly high level of relations”: what Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping talked about in Moscow

On Wednesday, June 5, a series of top-level Russian-Chinese talks were held in Moscow as part of the state visit of PRC President Xi Jinping. The Kremlin held meetings in a narrow and expanded format, after which the parties signed a package of documents on cooperation in various areas, including the “Joint Statement on the Development of Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Interaction Relations Entering a New Era” and “A Joint Statement on Strengthening Global Strategic Stability modern era.

During the talks, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, for whom this visit to Russia was the eighth since 2013, declared an unprecedented high level of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen them. According to the Russian leader, the ties between Moscow and Beijing are truly comprehensive partnerships and strategic interaction.

“We now, when we were negotiating, communicated with colleagues at the table, I noted that in each area we really developed not only interaction mechanisms, but concrete deep work is underway,” Putin stressed.

The president noted that China firmly holds the position of Russia's leading foreign trade partner. Thus, in 2018, the trade turnover between the two countries grew by 25% and reached a record level of $ 108 billion. In addition, about 30 projects totaling $ 22 billion are being implemented with Chinese investments, and $ 3.5 billion invested in investment projects in the Far East.

“Good momentum has gained interaction in the energy sector. Russia leads in the supply of oil to China: last year 67 million tons of raw materials were shipped ... Cooperation is increasing in the field of production and sale of liquefied natural gas. In November, a year ahead of schedule, the third phase of the Yamal LNG plant was launched, a significant share in which (29.9%) belongs to the Chinese side, ”Putin added.

Cooperation continues on another gas project - Arctic LNG-2. A contract was concluded for the construction of the third and fourth blocks of the Xujapu NPP. An intergovernmental agreement was signed aimed at the further development of settlements in rubles and yuan in bilateral trade.

Also, the Russian leader said that great importance in bilateral relations is attached to strengthening industrial cooperation. So, for the visit of Xi Jinping in the Tula region, a plant of the Chinese automaker Great Wall opened with a localization level of 70%, which will produce 80 thousand cars annually.

“The plans include the implementation of projects in the aviation, helicopter industry, space exploration, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, in other high-tech industries,” the president added.

He added that Moscow and Beijing intend to jointly develop international transport corridors and make more active use of the potential of the Trans-Siberian and Baikal-Amur Highways, as well as the Northern Sea Route. Putin also recalled that the construction of an automobile bridge over the Amur River is being completed in the Far East.

In turn, Xi Jinping noted that over the past six years, he and Vladimir Putin had met almost 30 times, and during this time, in addition to close working contacts between them, there was a deep personal friendship.

“Russia for me is the most visited foreign country, and President Putin for me is the closest friend and good colleague. This is the maximum reflection of the high level of bilateral relations and close strategic cooperation between China and Russia, ”the PRC Chairman emphasized.

According to him, Moscow and Beijing intend to strengthen mutual political trust, increase mutual assistance and support in matters relating to each other’s key interests, as well as raise relations between the two countries to an even higher level.

To gallery page

"China and Russia will resolutely defend the international system under the auspices of the UN"

Summing up the discussion of current international and regional problems, Vladimir Putin noted that in most of them the views of Russia and China are very close or coincide. In this regard, the joint statement signed after the talks stresses the principled position of Moscow and Beijing on the unacceptability of the destruction of the existing system of agreements in the field of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.

The Russian leader reiterated that there is no alternative to a peaceful settlement on the Korean Peninsula and said that Russia and China are working together to resolve the situation in Syria, are in favor of stabilizing the situation in Venezuela and remain committed to the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan on the Iranian nuclear program.

According to Xi Jinping, the current situation in the world is undergoing profound changes. In particular, protectionism is raising its head, the policy of power and hegemonism is increasing.

“We have a long and difficult way to achieve peace and development ... China and Russia will, together with the international community, show a sense of duty, decisively protect the international system under the auspices of the UN and on the basis of international law, actively promote a political settlement of the problems of“ hot spots ”, protect the multilateral trading system and contribute positive energy to an extremely complex international situation, make a new contribution to building a common destiny for humanity, ”the PRC Chairman said.

In the course of Xi Jinping’s visit, the leaders of the two countries attended the celebrations dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, and also opened a new pavilion in the Moscow Zoo. The Chinese side handed over two pandas to Russia, whom the PRC chairman called "envoys of Chinese-Russian friendship."

“I would like to thank Mr. Xi Jinping, all Chinese colleagues for the transfer of two big pandas to the Moscow Zoo. We know that there is practically no such practice in China. This is a sign of special respect and trust towards Russia, towards our specialists. When we talk about pandas, a smile always appears on the face. We accept this gift with great respect and gratitude. Thank you very much. These animals are a national symbol of China, and we highly appreciate such a gesture of friendship, ”said Vladimir Putin.

We add that on Thursday, June 6, the program of Russian-Chinese negotiations will continue in the northern capital, where Xi Jinping will take part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) as an honorary guest.

The Chinese side will be represented by about a thousand representatives of business and the state. The leaders of Russia and the PRC are scheduled to meet with the leaders of large companies of the two countries, who will hold the second Russian-Chinese energy business forum on the SPIEF fields.

In addition, Xi Jinping will be awarded the title of honorary doctor of St. Petersburg State University (St. Petersburg State University).