Xi emphasizes the unique value of relations with Russia

President Xi Jinping meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 24th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana, Kazakhstan.

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on China and Russia to nurture the unique value of their relations and make efforts to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests and the basic norms of international relations.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 24th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana, Kazakhstan.

It was their second meeting in less than two months. The last meeting took place in May, when Putin made a state visit to China.

Xi stressed that China and Russia need to further coordinate their development strategies and strategic coordination in international affairs.

He told Putin that China supports Russia in fulfilling its responsibilities as rotating chairman of the BRICS countries, uniting the Global South to prevent a “new Cold War” and opposing illegal unilateral sanctions and hegemony.

With the SCO summit scheduled to take place in Astana on Thursday, Xi said China looks forward to working with Russia and other member states to promote the steady development of the organization and build a closer SCO community with a shared future.

Beijing and Moscow should further strengthen their comprehensive strategic coordination, resist external interference and jointly maintain peace and stability in the region, Xi said.

Putin expressed his gratitude to Xi for the warm welcome during his state visit to China in May and said that on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, they jointly drafted a plan for the future development of bilateral relations.

He said relations between Russia and China are at their highest level in history and are based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Relations between Russia and China are non-aligned, not directed against third parties and are in line with the well-being of both peoples, Putin said.

He assured Xi that Russia supports China in safeguarding its core interests and legitimate rights and interests and opposes interference by external forces in China’s internal affairs and the South China Sea issue.

Noting that China will soon assume the rotating chairmanship of the SCO, Putin said Russia will fully support China and work with other member states to continuously strengthen the organization’s international influence, maintain peace and security in the region, and promote a fairer and more equitable international system.

As the rotating BRICS chair, Russia looks forward to strengthening communication and cooperation with China on BRICS cooperation this year, he added.

Xi stressed that China always stands on the right side of history, insists on facilitating peace talks and is ready to continue making positive efforts to promote a political solution to the Ukraine crisis and other regional issues.

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