International Desk: Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin held formal talks on Wednesday, May 20, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where the two leaders agreed to extend the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia. They also exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral and international issues of shared interest.

During the meeting, President Xi noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. He said bilateral ties have steadily advanced over the years and reached a new historic height through resilience, mutual trust, and strategic coordination.

Xi remarked that China and Russia have jointly moved forward with the spirit of remaining steadfast “despite countless challenges,” maintaining the determination to “reach even greater heights,” and demonstrating composure and stability amid global uncertainties and turbulence.

He further stated that the international landscape remains increasingly complex and unstable, with unilateralism and hegemonism continuing to rise. Nevertheless, the global aspiration for peace, development, and cooperation remains strong. As two major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia should continue strengthening comprehensive strategic coordination at a higher level, support each other’s development and national rejuvenation, and contribute positively to building a more just and equitable global governance system.

President Xi emphasized that in recent years, despite a challenging international environment, China and Russia have developed a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era based on equality, mutual respect, fairness, and mutually beneficial cooperation. Political mutual trust between the two countries has deepened significantly, while cooperation in trade, investment, energy, science and technology, and cultural exchanges has continued to expand.

He added that people-to-people exchanges between the two nations have also become increasingly active, pushing China-Russia relations into a new phase of more dynamic and accelerated development. According to Xi, the long-term, stable, and high-quality development of bilateral ties aligns with the fundamental interests of both countries and the broader trend of global development.

The Chinese president called on relevant departments of both countries to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, seize historic opportunities, and further strengthen political trust, cooperation, and friendship between the two peoples.

Xi also stressed the importance of aligning the two countries’ national development and rejuvenation strategies while making full use of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms. He urged both sides to improve coordination across all sectors and elevate practical cooperation in areas including trade, investment, energy resources, transportation, and technological innovation.

He further highlighted the need to deepen exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, film, tourism, and sports to ensure the friendship between the two nations is carried forward from generation to generation.

On multilateral affairs, Xi underscored the importance of strengthening coordination within international platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, and APEC. He reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to safeguarding the post-war international order and the authority of international law, strengthening solidarity among Global South countries, and promoting reforms in the global governance system in the right direction.

During the talks, the two leaders also exchanged views on key international and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East.

Following the meeting, President Xi and President Putin jointly signed the “Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Further Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation and Deepening Good-Neighborly Friendly Relations.” They also witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation agreements covering areas such as trade, education, science, and technology.

Later, the two heads of state jointly met with journalists. Prior to the talks, President Xi hosted an official welcome ceremony for President Putin at the eastern square of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Source: Shishir-Alim-Akash,China Media Group (CMG)