Russian and Chinese Presidents to discuss cooperation in BRICS and SCO in May

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. According to the official website of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin stressed that the upcoming visit of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will be not just a part of the solemn events, but an event in its own right.

Putin noted the positive dynamics of bilateral relations.

"I know that you have a large, intense programme for the visit. First of all, it is connected with the preparation of the arrival of the President of the People's Republic of China to Russia," Russian President said.

Putin specified that Xi Jinping will be the main guest of the May events, but his visit will also be an important event in its own right.

"We will have an opportunity to talk both about the current state of bilateral relations and to discuss our interaction on international platforms, among which, of course, first of all we single out the UN – the UN Security Council, as well as the SCO, BRICS," the Russian leader said.

Konstantin Baraboshkin, PhD in Philology, Head of the Department of Chinese Philology at the Institute of Asian and African Countries at Moscow State University, noted in an exclusive commentary for TV BRICS that the upcoming meeting between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping not only testifies to the close relations between the countries, but also emphasises the wide range of topics that need to be discussed.

"Such frequent contacts, on the one hand, are due to good relations, but, on the other hand, we are two major powers with overlapping interests that require constant coordination, including in the format of regular visits," he said.

The expert also emphasised that the meetings of the Russian and Chinese foreign ministers are systematic and play an important role in strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to him, during the visit the parties discuss key issues of economic and political interaction, as well as initiatives in the sphere of sustainable development and technology.

According to Baraboshkin, special attention should be paid to digitalisation and infrastructure projects, which can significantly increase trade turnover between the countries. He also emphasised the importance of coordination in the economic sphere, including the development of agricultural trade, cooperation within the EAEU and the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

In addition, the expert believes that discussing the possible cancellation of visa regime between the countries will open new prospects for economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges, which, in turn, will help strengthen educational and expert ties.

Photo: kremlin.ru