The joint declaration on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership signed today in Beijing by Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin opens a new era, 75 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia.
The document was signed on the opening day of the Russian president’s visit to the Asian giant, his second in less than six months.
The two presidents also attended the signing ceremony of cooperation documents, held a joint press conference and held high-level talks.
On his first trip abroad after being re-elected for a fifth term as president, Putin will also attend a small informal dinner and a ceremonial concert to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the beginning of each country’s Year of Culture in the other.
According to the official program released before the start of the visit, tomorrow, Friday, the Russian leader will visit the city of Harbin, the administrative center of Heilongjiang Province, the northernmost province of the country bordering Russia.
Putin is also scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, although this has not yet been confirmed by any official source.In his meeting with the Russian president today, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping said that the steady development of Russia-China relations benefits not only the two countries, but also the peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world.
China is ready to work with Russia to remain a good neighbor, good friend and good partner, further consolidate the enduring friendship between the two peoples, jointly promote national development and uphold fairness and justice in the world, he said.
The Chinese leader congratulated Putin on his re-election for a fifth term and expressed his belief that Russia will surely make new and greater progress in national development under his leadership.
After three-quarters of a century, despite ups and downs, China-Russia relations have become stronger and stronger and have withstood the test of a changing international landscape, Xi was quoted as saying by China Daily.
In his view, this relationship has become a good example for major powers and neighboring countries to treat each other with respect and openness, and to pursue friendship and mutual benefit.
The Chinese president recalled that he has met Putin more than 40 times over the years and maintained close communication, which has ensured the healthy, stable and smooth development of their bilateral relations.
The current China-Russia relationship has been hard-won and the two sides should cherish and promote it, he stressed.
