Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping hold talks in Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin received in the Kremlin Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is in Moscow on a state visit from 7 to 10 May.

On the morning of 8 May, an official welcoming ceremony was held in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. Putin and Xi shook hands and listened to the national anthems of the Russian Federation and China. The Chinese delegation brought to the Kremlin a gramophone made of dark wood and decorated with lacquer miniatures in oriental style. It depicts birds on the branches of a spring blossoming tree.

During the talks, the Russian Head of State thanked Xi Jinping for coming to the country to share in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. Putin also said he would be happy to visit China, where commemorations marking the end of World War II and a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are scheduled.

"We are developing our ties for the benefit of the peoples of both countries [...]. Our relations are equal, mutually beneficial and non-conjectural. The intention to build good-neighbourliness, strengthen friendship and expand cooperation is a choice of Russia and China based on strategic cooperation"

Vladimir Putin President of Russia

For his part, Xi Jinping noted that under Putin's leadership Russia and China are strengthening political interaction and gaining momentum in cultural, humanitarian, exchange, and interregional ties. He added that deepening bilateral relations is necessary to uphold international justice and promote reform of global governance.

"History and reality prove conclusively that the progressive development and deepening of China-Russia relations is an imperative for the continuation of the centuries-old friendship between the two peoples and a binding choice for achieving new successes in the prosperity of our countries"

Xi Jinping President of China

According to Putin, during the talks in a narrow format the parties outlined plans for further work in the future. Then the meeting continued in an enlarged format.

The Russian Head of State emphasised that the record trade figures between the countries are not the limit, and the work to maintain positive trade dynamics continues. He added that the states intend to further modernise transport infrastructure and develop cooperation in the energy sector.

"New joint initiatives are on the way. For example, the Far Eastern gas route will be launched in 2027 and will provide Chinese consumers with up to 10 billion cubic metres of blue fuel per year," the Russian president said.

In addition, Putin announced the conclusion of an agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments between Moscow and Beijing. He pointed out that the Russian side intends to create comfortable conditions for Chinese companies to operate in Russia.

"At the same time, we welcome the establishment of production facilities and the transfer of Chinese industrial competences to our country," he added.

Putin paid special attention to the topic of joint film production. He noted that it is increasing and expressed confidence that Russia and China are expecting many joint films.

At the enlarged meeting, Xi Jinping called for steadily strengthening strategic cooperation between Russia and China and promoting equal multipolarity in the world. He emphasised that Moscow and Beijing should uphold the multilateral trade system and smooth production and supply chains.

The Chinese President arrived in Moscow the previous evening. Upon arrival, he said his visit to Russia and participation in Victory Day celebrations would give a strong impetus to the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership.

Photo: kremlin.ru