BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged China and Russia to continuously maintain the unique value of China-Russia relations and explore the internal driving force of bilateral cooperation.
Xi made the remarks while meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai SCO in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Recalling Putin’s state visit to China in May to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, Xi noted that they had jointly made significant plans for the future development of the bilateral relationship. He also said that facing an international situation fraught with turbulence and changes, the two countries should continue to uphold the original aspiration of lasting friendship and stick to the determination to benefit the people.
The two countries should also make efforts to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations, Xi said. The Chinese president added that he looks forward to in-depth discussions with Putin and other heads of state on SCO cooperation to promote the organization’s steady and long-term development and build a closer SCO community with a shared future.
Putin said Russia-China relations are at their highest historical level and are characterized by mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. –The Daily Mail-CGTN news exchange item
