On the afternoon of February 8, as the Chinese Lunar New Year was approaching, President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The two heads of state exchanged New Year greetings. Xi Jinping pointed out that the Chinese Spring Festival is approaching, and the New Year atmosphere is very strong. The Chinese people are full of hope and confidence in the upcoming Year of the Dragon! President Putin said that the dragon symbolizes wisdom and strength in Chinese culture. I extend my best wishes to the friendly Chinese people! Wish the Chinese people a happy Year of the Dragon! May all go well with you!
Xi Jinping pointed out that it has become a good tradition between us to exchange greetings at the end of the year and the beginning of the year, summarize the development results of bilateral relations, and look forward to the future together. In the past year, we met twice and reached many important consensuses. Under our joint leadership, the governments, legislative bodies, and political parties of the two countries have had active exchanges, and cooperation in various fields has demonstrated resilience and vitality. The two sides have achieved their annual trade volume targets ahead of schedule. People-to-people and local exchanges between the two countries have flourished, and the Year of Sports Exchange has come to a successful conclusion. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Looking back on the road we have traveled, we have endured many trials and tribulations together. Looking to the future, China-Russia relations are facing new development opportunities. China is willing to work with Russia to continue to uphold the spirit of mutual assistance and friendship from generation to generation, and work together to write a new chapter in China-Russia relations.
Xi Jinping emphasized that the two sides should intensify strategic coordination, safeguard their respective national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and resolutely oppose interference in internal affairs by external forces. The two sides should cultivate new momentum for cooperation between the two countries, maintain the stability of the industrial and supply chains, jointly hold the China-Russia Cultural Year, hold cultural exchanges that connect the people, be down-to-earth and warm, and continuously tighten the spiritual ties between the two peoples. Both sides should support Kazakhstan in hosting this year's Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, enhance unity and mutual trust, and safeguard regional security and stability and the common interests of regional countries. China actively supports Russia in assuming the rotating presidency of the BRICS in 2024, and is willing to work with Russia to strengthen international multilateral collaboration, practice true multilateralism, advocate an equal and orderly world multipolarity and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promote The global governance system is developing in a more fair and reasonable direction, making positive contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Putin said that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China. With the joint efforts of both sides, Russia-China relations have reached an unprecedented high level. Last year, Russia-China cooperation in various fields yielded fruitful results. I look forward to continuing to maintain close exchanges with President Xi Jinping and leading our bilateral cooperation to achieve new progress in various fields. It is hoped that both sides will jointly organize this year's Russia-China Cultural Year and a series of people-to-people and cultural exchange activities to further consolidate the foundation of friendship between the two peoples. We thank China for supporting Russia in assuming the rotating presidency of BRICS this year. Russia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China within regional and international multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, support each other, safeguard multilateralism, and safeguard their respective legitimate interests. Russia firmly adheres to the one-China principle and opposes any dangerous behavior that provokes China on the Taiwan issue. It believes that any attempt to hinder China's peaceful reunification will not succeed.
The two heads of state also had an in-depth exchange of views on current international and regional hot issues. The two heads of state agreed to continue to maintain close exchanges in the new year and have in-depth exchanges on China-Russia relations and strategic issues of common interest.