Putin Hails 30 Years of Russia‑China Cooperation as Trade Rises and Strategic Ties Deepen N18G

Added: 2026-05-20

[00:00:05]Last November, I attended the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Moscow.

[00:00:12]I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you and to the Russian side for the meticulous organization and warm welcome.

[00:00:21]I would like to express my thanks once again.

[00:00:26]Today, President Xi Jinping met with you and you outlined a grand plan for the further development of bilateral relations.

[00:00:35]Against the backdrop of today's international turbulence, Sino-Russian relations remain stable and predictable.

[00:00:44]This is very precious to us and it allows us to jointly counter various challenges and threats.

[00:00:52]The Chinese side is ready to work with the Russian side on the basis of high-level agreements to strengthen political mutual trust and mutual support in order to take our bilateral cooperation to new heights for the benefit of our peoples.

[00:01:13]For my part, I am delighted to be here once again.

[00:01:16]My colleagues and I always take great pleasure in visiting hospitable China and this visit holds particular significance and resonance as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good Neighborliness and friendly cooperation.

[00:01:33]Building on the principles of equality, trust, mutual respect, and mutual benefit enshrined in this foundational treaty, our relations are developing dynamically for the benefit of the peoples of our countries.

[00:01:46]Today's talks with President Xi Jinping were highly productive and fruitful. A substantial package of documents has been signed including joint statements by the heads of state which set out our common approaches and areas of work without exaggeration in virtually all key areas.

[00:02:03]Together with President Xi, we have now set new ambitious goals for the qualitative development of Russian-Chinese cooperation.

[00:02:12]The extensive mechanism of regular meetings of the heads of government of the two countries over all the years of its work, by the way it was established 30 years ago in December 1996, has actually proved its effectiveness, including in the implementation of the entire array of agreements reached at the highest level.

[00:02:32]The governments of both countries always bear a particular burden because they are engaged in practical work in very specific areas. We are all well aware of this. The final outcome depends to a large extent on the extent to which you are involved in this work. We look forward to welcoming you on a visit to Russia. I mentioned earlier today that despite some adjustments to bilateral trade figures, trade turnover is showing good growth this year, over 10% compared to the figures for 2025.

[00:03:02]We will continue our trade cooperation in accordance with the approved long-term strategies. First and foremost, the plan for Russian-Chinese economic cooperation up to 2030.

[00:03:13]Among our priorities is ensuring that our cooperation is reliably protected from negative external influences.

[00:03:22]The almost 100% use of national currencies in bilateral settlements contributes significantly to this. The agenda includes the implementation of a wide range of joint sectoral projects in the energy, industrial, space, agricultural, transport, and logistics sectors.

[00:03:41]Digital innovations and artificial intelligence technologies, which are rapidly transforming our lives, are opening up new opportunities for the economic development of our countries.

[00:03:51]People-to-people contacts are actively developing, including in culture, cinema, sport, and in the field of youth and tourist exchanges.

[00:04:00]This has undoubtedly been facilitated by the decision taken on the initiative of our Chinese friends to introduce a reciprocal visa-free regime.

[00:04:09]This helps both tourists and people engaged in practical work across a wide range of fields. And today, together with President Xi Jinping, we have officially launched the cross-cultural years of education.

[00:04:23]I am confident that this new intergovernmental thematic project will succeed in taking the training of personnel across the widest possible range of specializations, including in cutting-edge sectors, to a new level, thereby ensuring the scientific and technological sovereignty of our countries.