Russia and China reaffirm strengthening of strategic partnership and expansion of cooperation in economy and energy

Moscow, October 21 (KUNA) -- Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed on Wednesday the robustness of bilateral relations between the two countries and their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation, with a focus on the energy, agriculture, food security, transport, and border crossing sectors. This came during the 31st regular meeting of the heads of government of Russia and China, held in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.

According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Mishustin stated that Russia-China relations have reached their highest level and have become a model to emulate in international relations, noting that intensive high-level dialogue has contributed to further development of bilateral ties. He added that trade and economic cooperation between the two countries continues to show positive indicators despite external pressures and global instability, highlighting the continued growth in bilateral trade and rising mutual investments. Mishustin pointed out that the share of national currencies in financial settlements between Russia and China has reached approximately 100 percent, reflecting the expanding use of local currencies in bilateral transactions.

He emphasized the strategic importance of cooperation in the energy sector, noting Russia’s role in supplying oil and natural gas to the Chinese market, while stressing both countries’ interest in developing agricultural cooperation and enhancing food security.

In this context, the Russian prime minister called for more effective modernization of border crossings between the two countries and an expansion of air transport services to facilitate the movement of goods and people and strengthen economic and commercial ties.

For his part, Chinese Premier Li Qiang affirmed that relations between Beijing and Moscow continue to develop at a rapid pace despite fluctuations and instability in the international arena. He stressed China’s readiness to continue strengthening strategic cooperation with Russia and to deepen the bilateral partnership and expand practical cooperation areas in the interest of both countries.

The meeting takes place within the framework of the periodic government consultation mechanism between the two countries, which aims to monitor the implementation of joint understandings and coordinate efforts to develop economic, trade, and investment relations, as well as to enhance cooperation in key sectors.

Russia and China are strategic partners, and their relations have expanded in recent years in the fields of trade, investment, energy, transport, and agriculture, alongside coordination on international and multilateral issues. The regular meeting of the heads of government of the two countries has been held since 1996 and constitutes one of the main institutional mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of understandings reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The 30th regular meeting was hosted by the Chinese city of Hangzhou on November 3, 2025, where both sides emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, transport, agriculture, and the digital economy. They also signed a joint statement and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in areas including customs and satellite navigation.

The 31st meeting gains additional significance in 2026, which marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between Russia and China and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation between the two countries, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (End) Dan / T.M.A