(Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday he is ready to work with Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue guiding China-Russia relations to new heights in the new year.
In a video conference meeting with his Russian counterpart, Xi called for facing uncertainties in the external environment with the stability and resilience of China-Russia relations, jointly promoting the development and revitalization of the two countries , and to defend international equity and justice.
The two heads of state exchanged greetings ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Mr. Xi recalled the three meetings he had with Mr. Putin last year, which resulted in a series of important agreements. He also recalled that last year marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, which are characterized by permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation, and have become increasingly more dynamic.
He also mentioned various activities held within the framework of the China-Russia cultural years, as well as the steady progress of pragmatic cooperation and growth of bilateral trade.
The close coordination between the two countries on multilateral platforms, such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, has provided more positive energy for the reform and development of the system of global governance, Xi continued.
He called on the two sides to continue to deepen strategic coordination, strengthen mutual support and safeguard the legitimate interests of the two countries. China and Russia should consolidate and expand bilateral relations and promote in-depth development of pragmatic cooperation, Xi added.
He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN).
China and Russia should seize this opportunity to jointly uphold the UN-centered international system and the victory results of World War II, promote all countries’ adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. UN, uphold universally recognized fundamental norms governing international relations, and practice true multilateralism, Xi stressed.
Assuming the rotating chairmanship of the SCO, China is willing to work with Russia and other member countries to usher in a new phase of the SCO characterized by high-quality development and greater responsibility, Xi said. .Xi.
He also called on the two countries to jointly advance broader BRICS cooperation, and write a new chapter of unity and self-improvement for the Global South.
Mr. Putin said, for his part, that Russia and China have always given each other trust and support and treated each other as equals. Cooperation between the two sides is in the interests of the two peoples and has not been affected by changes in the international situation.
He welcomed the sustained positive momentum of bilateral trade and energy cooperation, the steady increase in reciprocal visits between people of the two countries, as well as the close communication and collaboration between both parties in multilateral forums.
Putin noted that Russia firmly supports the principle that Taiwan is an integral part of China’s territory and resolutely opposes “Taiwan independence” in any form.
He noted that 80 years ago, the Russian and Chinese people resisted the aggressors with their blood and lives, safeguarding their national sovereignty and dignity. This year, the two sides will jointly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and defend the results of World War II.
Russia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in multilateral affairs and play a positive role in promoting world peace and development, Putin added.
The two heads of state also had in-depth exchanges of views on international and regional issues of common interest and agreed to maintain strategic communication in the new year.
(Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
(Xinhua/Liu Bin)
(Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
