Russia and China Emphasize the Robustness of Strategic Partnership and Enhancement of International Cooperation and Coordination
Moscow, Aug 31 (KUNA) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, underscored on Monday the robustness of the strategic partnership between their two countries and the importance of continuing to enhance cooperation and coordination across various fields and international issues. During their meeting in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Putin emphasized that Russia-China cooperation is progressing successfully in all areas, pointing to the implementation of major projects between the two nations in the energy, industry, space, transport, and logistics sectors. He stated that the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between Russia and China are grounded in long-standing traditions of friendship, respect for sovereignty, equality, and mutual benefit.
Putin added that bilateral agricultural trade is growing rapidly by 34 percent, noting the launch of the first scheduled Chinese cargo ship voyage along the Northern Sea Route in mid-August. He clarified that digital innovations, including artificial intelligence technologies, are creating new opportunities for the development of the Russian and Chinese economies, highlighting cooperation in modern technologies and support for related international initiatives.
On the human dimension, Putin said that the visa-free regime between Russia and China has facilitated commercial and people-to-people exchanges, with tourist flows between the two countries rising by 43 percent in the first half of this year. He expressed his country’s readiness to work with Beijing to make the visa-free system permanent.
The Russian president affirmed that Russia and China’s fundamental approaches to current foreign policy issues are fully aligned, praising the active work both countries are undertaking on the international stage. He noted that Russia and China coordinate their positions in several international frameworks and organizations, including the SCO, the United Nations, the BRICS group, the G20, and ASEAN-centered frameworks, reaffirming his country’s continued support for China’s presidency of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
Putin pointed out that the meeting takes place ahead of the SCO summit, which was established 25 years ago on the initiative of Russia and China, expressing satisfaction with the organization’s development and its transformation into a fully integrated international body. He also noted that both countries are this year commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation, recalling the contribution of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin to the development of bilateral relations.
For his part, Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed that the foundations of bilateral relations between China and Russia will grow stronger, expressing confidence that the two countries will steadily move toward a brighter future. Xi stated that amid rapid changes, the SCO is working to maintain stability and promote regional development, and he expressed his hope to discuss with Putin and the leaders of member states ways to develop the organization, enhance solidarity among its parties, support its growth, and strengthen its role as a stabilizing factor in the international community. He further expressed his anticipation to discuss ways to develop the organization, enhance cooperation among its parties, and achieve mutual peace and development.
The Russian president arrived in Bishkek on a two-day working visit to participate in the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, according to the Kremlin, while the Chinese president is attending the summit as part of a visit to Kyrgyzstan.
Founded in 2001, the SCO currently comprises 10 member states. The current summit in Bishkek is exploring ways to develop cooperation among member states and enhance the organization’s role in regional and international issues. (End) D.A.N./N.O.F.
