President of Russia explains journalists how unprecedentedly high level of relations with China had been achieved

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the heads of leading international news agencies at the Constantine Palace in Strelna during the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). This was reported on the official website of the President of Russia.

Photo: screenshot from the Kremlin website live stream

Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, a TV BRICS partner, noted that the leaders of Russia and China had met 50 times over the past 14 years and described this achievement as unprecedented. Responding to his question about how the two countries had reached such a level of cooperation, Vladimir Putin emphasised that relations with China had developed over centuries and, in recent years, had been built on the basis of a long-term strategy established in 2001 with the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourlines and Friendly Cooperation.

"We are natural allies and partners. Indeed, we are neighbours, sharing an extensive common border. One cannot choose one’s neighbours – that is a fact of life. Such is the course of history. Over the centuries, throughout our interactions, a particular system of principles governing our relations has emerged. Not yesterday, not today, and not five years ago – but over centuries, these principles have taken shape"

Vladimir Putin President of Russia

He added that greater attention has recently been paid to issues related to the new economy, based on artificial intelligence, information technology, and advances in biology and genetics. Putin also highlighted his trusting personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which contributes to strengthening bilateral ties. “I am sure we will soon delight the global energy market with new agreements between Russia and China,” Putin added.

Photo: screenshot from the Kremlin website live stream

Considerable attention was also devoted to the Russia–Egypt partnership. In response to a question from Shohrat Aref, Managing Editor of the Middle East News Agency (MENA), a TV BRICS partner, Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to further develop bilateral relations and noted his good personal relations with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Among the key joint projects, Putin highlighted the construction of a nuclear power plant in Egypt, the first unit of which is expected to be launched in 2028, and the creation of a Russian technology valley in the Nile Valley.

CEO and Editor-in-Chief at The Press Trust of India, Vijay Joshi, noted that privileged strategic partnership remains the foundation of India–Russia relations and asked how, in Putin’s view, fresh momentum could be given to those ties.

“You have described these relations yourself, and you characterised them accurately. As you noted, this is a special and privileged strategic partnership. [...] Russia remains one of the largest foreign investors in the Indian economy, and we intend to further strengthen investment cooperation on a reciprocal basis. [...] Russia and India continue to strengthen their partnership, and we regard India as a reliable partner,” Putin said.

Photo: screenshot from the Kremlin website live stream

Vladimir Putin confirmed plans to increase trade turnover with India to US$100 billion in the coming years. At present, it stands at around US$58–60 billion. Among the most promising areas of cooperation, he named energy, including nuclear energy and hydrocarbons, as well as pharmaceuticals.

Director of the Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a partner of TV BRICS, Raushan Kazhibayeva, recalled Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Kazakhstan and the adoption of a document outlining seven foundations of friendship between the two countries. Her question concerned the significance of the new document and the symbolic nature of Russia’s gift of four Amur tigers to Kazakhstan.

“Our relations with Kazakhstan are advancing steadily; they are on the rise. That said, I should point out straight away that our Kazakhstani friends and partners are not easy partners. We always have very heated debates on almost every issue – whether it is financial relations, industrial cooperation, investment conditions, or major joint projects. But on both sides, there is a desire to find a compromise that doesn’t just satisfy both parties but also helps us achieve shared goals. And our shared goal is clear: development and prosperity for the citizens of Kazakhstan and Russia. […] I believe it is a forward-looking initiative that will help preserve our relations and promote their development across all fields, including humanitarian cooperation,” the Russian President noted.

Photo: screenshot from the Kremlin website live stream

Promising areas of cooperation include energy, including the construction of nuclear power plants and joint uranium pproduction; the space industry; the development of education and support for the Russian language; as well as environmental initiatives, particularly the programme to restore the Amur tiger population in Kazakhstan. The President noted that Russia and Kazakhstan are linked by centuries of shared history and a number of advantages inherited from their time within a single state, including industrial cooperation, integrated transport links and a common language of communication.

The 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is taking place from 3 to 6 June. TV BRICS is serving as an information partner of the Forum.