Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping, who has come to Russia on an official visit at the invitation of the Russian President, met for talks in the Kremlin.
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| Vladimir Putin with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. |
During the restricted format talks, the participants discussed political, trade and economic, military-technical, and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. During the consultations attended by delegation members, the in-depth discussion of the agenda continued.
Before the expanded talks, the President of Russia presented to the President of China the Order of St Andrew the Apostle.
Also, as part of the Chinese President’s official visit to Russia, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping met with representatives of public organizations, and the business and media communities of the two countries.
Based on the results of the Chinese President’s visit to Russia, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping signed a Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on the Further Expansion of Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation and a Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on the Current Status of Global Affairs and Important International Issues. Moreover, the two leaders approved an Action Plan to implement the Treaty on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China for 2017–2020.
In the presence of the President of Russia and the President of China, Russian News Agency ITAR-TASS signed a cooperation agreement with Chinese Holding People's Daily, and Channel One Russia and CNV-Satellite TV Program Co Ltd. signed an agreement on the broadcast of Katyusha, a Russian television network, in China. In addition, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in developing the information space.
Other documents signed were related, in particular, to the development of high-speed trains and other railway technology in Russia, joint project financing, including projects implemented as part of national technology initiative, the establishment of a Russia-China fund for investment cooperation in national currencies, as well as oil and gas sector agreements, development of Primorye 1 and Primorye 2 international transport corridors, agricultural cooperation, and joint film production.
The Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation and the Foreign Ministry of the People's Republic of China signed a Joint Statement on the Korean Peninsula issue.
A number of documents were signed by private companies on the sidelines of the visit.
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping also made statements for the press.
Beginning of talks with President of China Xi Jinping.
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| Vladimir Putin before the beginning of a meeting with President of China Xi Jinping. |
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
Mr. President, friends,
I am happy to welcome you in the Kremlin.
Yesterday, we had an informal but very intense and business-like meeting with President of China Xi Jinping in the Kremlin, the heart of Russia.
We view our meeting today and your official visit as a key event for the development of bilateral relations this year. I am glad to say that the growth of our mutual trade last year was modest at 3.9 percent, whereas this year it soared by 37 percent in the first four months.
We invariably have economic matters at the top of our agenda, but they are not the only issues we address. We also coordinate our efforts on the international stage, in the area of security and in the fight against modern threats and challenges. We are glad to have this opportunity to engage in an in-depth discussion of all aspects of our cooperation with you, Mr. President, and all our Chinese friends in various formats.
Thank you.
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| President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. |
President of China Xi Jinping (retranslated):
Mr. President, my good friend! My dear Russian friends and colleagues!
I am happy to be able to make one more state visit to Russia. Upon our arrival here yesterday, we were given a warm welcome and felt your genuine friendship and attention. We highly appreciate this friendship. I am deeply impressed.
Russia was the first country I visited as PRC President after my election in March 2013. Since then, I have visited Russia six times and attended international events here. We counted that the two of us have met 22 times over these years. Russia is the country that I visited the most, and among foreign leaders I maintain the closest contacts and ties with you. This is indicative of the high level and special nature of the relations between our two countries.
China and Russia are good neighbors that are connected by rivers and mountains. We are reliable friends always eager to help and support one another. In addition, we are reliable and good partners maintaining close and effective ties.
Our cooperation is underpinned by the core principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. This is an essential feature of the relations between our two countries as great powers.
Over the years, we have succeeded in many areas by acting together. I am looking forward to exchanging views with you on all relevant matters as part of this visit. I strongly believe that this visit will bring about new advances and will be a success.
On a personal note and on behalf of the entire delegation, I would like to once again thank you for the attention and hospitality demonstrated by the Russian Government.
Thank you!
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PHOTO:
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| Russian President Vladimir Putin. |
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| Russian-Chinese talks in the Kremlin. |
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| Vladimir Putin meeting with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. |
