Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President Vladimir Putin of Russia

On April 26, 2019, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Vladimir Putin of Russia at Beijing Friendship Hotel.

Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and also the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Over the past 7 decades, the two countries have marched forward regardless of hardships, making the relations between China and Russia major-country relations featuring the highest degree of mutual trust, the highest level of coordination and the highest strategic value. In the new era, I am willing to, together with Mr. President, act in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, lead bilateral relations to progress with the times, stimulate new vigor of bilateral relations, push bilateral relations for even better development and jointly create a better future for the world.

Xi Jinping stressed that against the current complicated and changing international landscape, both China and Russia remain committed to respective national development and rejuvenation and face the same tasks and challenges. We should always regard each other as important development opportunities, support each other and draw on each other's strengths to achieve revitalization together and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind. Stressing that Russia is an important partner in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Xi Jinping said the alignment of the BRI with the Eurasian Economic Union is a model of regional economic cooperation. In the next phase, the two sides should continue to promote cooperation in economy and trade, energy, science and technology, aerospace, connectivity, as well as cooperation at sub-national level and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The Chinese side will send a pair of giant pandas to the Russian side for joint research.

Xi Jinping emphasized that China and Russia should enhance coordination in international affairs, jointly defend the authority of the United Nations (UN) and the UN Security Council, observe the international law and universally recognized norms governing international relations, firmly promote multi-polarity and democracy of international relations, and uphold multilateralism.

Vladimir Putin said that I am glad to come to China for the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The BRI, proposed by President Xi Jinping, has provided an important platform and set a successful example for expanding international cooperation, and won increasing support from the international community. The presence of so many state leaders and representatives at this forum is a proof. At the moment, Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has reached the best level in history and become a model for relations between countries. On the occasion of celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, the Russian side is willing to enhance high-level contacts with the Chinese side, and deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, such as doing well in exemplary major projects in energy and connectivity sectors.

The two heads of state also exchanged views on issues including the situation on the Korean Peninsula and Venezuela, and agreed to communicate and coordinate closely in international and regional affairs and multilateral institutions.

After the talks, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin viewed a picture exhibition of the history of friendship of the two countries at Beijing Friendship Hotel.

Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi and He Lifeng attended the meeting.