Astana, July 04, 2024, The Europe Today: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the strong ties between their nations, emphasizing equality and mutual respect during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana on Wednesday.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
During the meeting, Putin highlighted the robust nature of Russia-China relations, describing the current period as the best in their history. “We have repeatedly stated with good reason that Russia-China relations, our comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, are going through the best period in their history,” Putin said. He emphasized that the relationship is “guided by the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and respect for each other’s sovereignty.”
President Xi echoed these sentiments, noting the significance of their frequent meetings. “Our regular meetings are not just a good tradition of ours, but also a symbol of the high level that Russian-Chinese relations enjoy,” he remarked.
Commitment to Shared Interests
The two leaders agreed to strengthen their ties further to safeguard their countries’ legitimate interests. Putin described the partnership as a “main stabilizing factor on the international stage,” while Xi emphasized the need to maintain lasting friendship and benefit their people amidst a turbulent international situation.
“Facing an international situation fraught with turbulence and changes, the two countries should keep upholding the original aspiration of lasting friendship, and sticking to the determination of benefiting the people,” Xi stated.
Support for SCO and Multipolar World Order
Putin also pledged support for China’s chairmanship of the SCO in 2024–2025, praising the organization as “one of the key pillars of a fair multipolar world order.” This commitment underscores the importance both nations place on the SCO as a platform for fostering regional stability and cooperation.
The meeting between Putin and Xi at the SCO summit highlights the deepening strategic partnership between Russia and China, built on mutual respect and shared interests, as they navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
