Xi Jinping Meets with Russian President Putin

On the afternoon of October 22 local time, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kazan Kremlin.

Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Over the past 75 years, China-Russia relations have weathered various challenges and explored a model of “non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party” for neighboring major powers. Both sides, upholding the spirit of enduring friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation, have continuously deepened and expanded their comprehensive strategic partnership and pragmatic cooperation across various fields. This has injected strong momentum into the development, revitalization, and modernization of both nations, contributed to the well-being of the Chinese and Russian people, and helped maintain international fairness and justice.

Currently, the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, with the international situation becoming increasingly complex. However, the deep-rooted friendship between China and Russia, and their commitment to global responsibility for the benefit of the people, remain unchanged. Despite facing complex and challenging external circumstances, cooperation in areas such as trade between the two nations continues to advance actively, and major cooperative projects are operating steadily. Both sides should continue to promote the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union to support high-quality economic development.

Xi emphasized that next year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the victory of World War II. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global powers, China and Russia should deepen their comprehensive strategic coordination, enhance communication within multilateral frameworks like the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, uphold a correct view of World War II history, firmly defend the UN-centered international system, and work together to maintain global strategic stability and international fairness and justice.

Xi also noted that the BRICS cooperation mechanism is the most important platform for unity and collaboration among emerging market countries and developing nations. China appreciates Russia’s work as the BRICS chair and looks forward to discussing the future development of the BRICS mechanism with other leaders, fostering consensus, promoting signals of unity and cooperation, and advancing strategic coordination and pragmatic cooperation across various fields, thus creating more opportunities for the Global South.

Putin stated that recently, both countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Over these 75 years, Russia and China have developed into comprehensive strategic partners in a new era, setting an example of a new type of great power relations. Russia-China cooperation is based on equality, mutual respect, and reciprocal benefits. With joint efforts, pragmatic cooperation in various fields has been continuously advancing, and the China-Russia Year of Culture events have been successfully held. Russia hopes to further deepen cooperation with China to contribute to the development and revitalization of both countries.

Next year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Russia and China made tremendous sacrifices for the victory of the global anti-fascist war, and Russia is willing to commemorate this significant milestone together with China. Russia also wishes to maintain close high-level exchanges and strategic communication with China on international affairs to jointly safeguard international fairness and justice and global strategic stability. Putin expressed gratitude for China’s strong support during Russia’s BRICS chairmanship and pledged to cooperate closely with China to ensure the success of the first BRICS leaders’ summit after the expansion, advancing the “Big BRICS” cooperation to yield positive results continuously.

The two leaders also had in-depth exchanges on major international and regional issues of common concern.