MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a video message on Tuesday, before his state visit to China, that relations between Russia and China have reached a “truly unprecedented level.”
He highlighted that frequent high-level visits and ongoing leadership talks play a key role in advancing cooperation and unlocking what he described as the vast potential of bilateral relations. According to him, the partnership is built on mutual understanding, trust, and a shared commitment to “win-win” and equal cooperation, along with respect for each other’s core interests, including sovereignty and national unity.
Putin noted that the 25-year-old Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation laid the foundation for today’s strategic partnership, which he said has developed into a comprehensive relationship benefiting both nations.
He added that cooperation between the two countries continues to expand across political, economic, and humanitarian fields, alongside growing people-to-people exchanges. “Together we are doing everything that can further deepen bilateral collaboration and advance the comprehensive development of our countries,” he said.
Trade between Russia and China has surpassed $200 billion, with most settlements now being conducted in rubles and yuan. Putin also pointed to expanding joint projects, cultural and educational exchanges, and the continuation of long-term bilateral initiatives.
He welcomed growing interpersonal connectivity, including a mutual visa-free regime that supports tourism, business, and cultural contact.
Emphasizing the global dimension of the relationship, Putin said the partnership plays a stabilizing role internationally. He stated: “Without allying against anyone, we seek peace and universal prosperity.”
He also said: “It is in this spirit that Moscow and Beijing act in a coordinated manner to defend international law and the provisions of the UN Charter in their entirety, completeness and interconnectedness,” and added: “We support active cooperation through the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and other multilateral entities, making a substantial contribution to resolving pressing global and regional challenges.”
Putin concluded by expressing confidence in further strengthening ties for the benefit of both nations and global stability.
The visit comes as he travels to Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping from May 19 to 20.
