Russia and China cooperate closely on the international stage, jointly combating common threats by “building bridges” and standing shoulder to shoulder like “a rock in a turbulent stream,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
“In fact, today, Russia-China relations serve as the foundation of regional and global stability, promote economic growth and ensure a positive agenda in international affairs. They are an example of harmonious and constructive cooperation between major powers,” Putin said in an article in the People’s Daily, the official mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party.
In an article published on March 19, right before Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to Russia, the Russian President also stated that the visit is an important event affirming the special nature of the Moscow-Beijing partnership.
“This landmark event reaffirms the special nature of the Russia-China partnership, which has always been built on mutual trust, respect for each other’s sovereignty and interests,” he said. “We have high expectations for the upcoming negotiations.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, 2019. Photo: Xinhua
The Russian head of state also said that his country and China “are building bridges in the literal and figurative sense.”
“Last year, our border regions were connected by two new bridges over the Amur River, which has been a river of friendship since ancient times,” the Russian leader said.
“Amid the storms sweeping the planet, we closely cooperate on international issues and effectively coordinate our foreign policy positions, counter common threats and respond to current challenges, standing shoulder to shoulder like a rock in a raging current,” the Russian President said.
“We actively promote democratic multilateral structures such as the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), which are becoming more and more influential, while attracting new partners and friends,” Putin continued.
“Work to coordinate the development of the Eurasian Economic Union with the Belt and Road Initiative is also moving in this direction,” he said.
In the article, Mr. Putin also mentioned the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, reiterating Moscow's readiness to seek a diplomatic solution. He praised Beijing's "balanced stance" on the issue.
Russia and China begin cross-border rail traffic via the first railway bridge over the Amur River, at the Nizhneleninskoye-Tongjiang border, November 2022. Photo: Russia Briefing
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters last week that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold talks in Moscow on March 21, and were expected to make statements to the media afterward.
Earlier, Moscow and Beijing announced that Xi Jinping would pay an official visit to Russia from March 20 to 22. According to the Kremlin, the talks will include discussions on “current issues of further developing the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China.”
The sides also plan to exchange views on the deepening of Russia-China cooperation in the international arena. The two sides are expected to sign a number of important bilateral documents .
Minh Duc (According to TASS, RT)
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