Putin shares 'great respect' for China, 'limitless potential' as partners ahead of Beijing visit

Moscow Highlights Strategic Partnership

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the people of China on Monday night, ahead of his upcoming visit to Beijing.

“Russian-Chinese relations have reached an unprecedented level. Their specific nature is manifested in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust, willingness to co-operate on bilaterally beneficial and equal terms, to conduct respectful dialogue, to support each other on issues affecting the fundamental interests of the two countries, including the protection of sovereignty and national unity,” said Putin.

According to the head of state, both countries feel confident about the future having worked actively to develop co-operation in politics, the economy and the defence industry.

Xi Jinping Relationship Highlighted

“It is important that these very issues will form the agenda of the upcoming talks in Beijing. I sincerely appreciate President Xi Jinping’s commitment to long-term co-operation with Russia. I believe that our warm, friendly relationship helps us set the most ambitious goals for the future and turn them into reality,” he stressed.

Putin added that Russia views China as an important long-term partner.

“I would like to note that in Russia, we hold great respect for China’s centuries-old history and its achievements in culture, the arts and science,” he explained. “We are interested in bringing our nations closer, understanding each other even better and drawing on all the positive aspects of the rich traditions and heritage of both countries.”

National Currencies Dominate Transactions

The Russian leader noted that trade between the two countries continues to grow, having already exceeded 200 billion US dollars with almost all financial transactions conducted in national currencies.

According to Putin, the strategic partnership between the countries plays an important, stabilising role on the global stage.

Putin Visit To China Approaches

“We do not ally ourselves against anyone but work towards peace and global prosperity. It is precisely on this basis that Moscow and Beijing act in concert to defend international law and the UN Charter provisions in all their entirety, as a coherent and interconnected whole,” he added. “We support active co-operation within the UN, the SCO, BRICS, and other multilateral structures, making a significant contribution to settling pressing global and regional issues.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to China on May 19-20. The Russian delegation will include deputy prime ministers, ministers and heads of major companies. According to the presidential aide, Yuri Ushakov, the sides will discuss the most pressing and delicate issues of bilateral relations in Beijing, and will also sign around 40 documents.

Article by Viory