Xi Jinping tells Putin ties built on “courage and resilience”

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Beijing, where Xi said bilateral relations are built on a solid foundation, while Putin emphasised Russia’s reliable energy exports to China and the continued expansion of trade and economic cooperation.

“The locomotive of economic cooperation is Russia-China interaction in the energy sector. Against the backdrop of the crisis in the Middle East, Russia continues to maintain its role as a reliable supplier of resources, while China remains a responsible consumer of these resources,” Putin said at the start of the restricted-format meeting.

He added that economic relations between Russia and China are showing strong momentum “even amid unfavourable external factors.”

Xi Jinping, in turn, said the high level of bilateral relations has been made possible thanks to the “courage and resilience” of both countries in upholding international justice and promoting “a shared future for mankind.”

Putin’s visit to Beijing is taking place on May 19–20. Accompanying him are five deputy prime ministers, eight ministers, as well as representatives of the presidential administration and major companies. The two leaders are expected to discuss in detail the implementation of the Power of Siberia 2 project.

By Jeyhun Aghazada