China, Russia leaders meet; Xi says Middle East ready to transition from war to peace
Tehran - BORNA - Chinese President Xi Jinping stated during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin today that Russia and China jointly define the development path of their bilateral relations based on mutual respect and shared benefits.
"For years, we have jointly defined the development of China-Russia relations, a comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction based on mutual respect, fairness, and mutual benefit," Xi said.
The Russian leader arrived in China on Tuesday evening for a two-day official visit. Putin’s delegation includes Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Ministers Tatyana Golikova, Alexander Novak, Yuri Trutnev, and Dmitry Chernyshenko, as well as other senior officials, the Governor of the Central Bank, and the CEOs of Rosneft and Gazprom.
Peace, Development, and Cooperation
During the summit with Putin, Xi Jinping stated: "In a turbulent international situation, division, unilateralism, and hegemony are evident, yet the pursuit of peace, development, and cooperation remains the aspiration of the people and the spirit of the times."
Welcoming Vladimir Putin warmly at a meeting in Beijing before the talks commenced, the Chinese President referred to him as his long-time friend. Xi said: "I warmly welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin for his official visit to China. We have maintained close relations for years... Our centuries-old friendship and good-neighborly relations have found deeper roots in the hearts of our people."
Vladimir Putin called the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation between Russia and China the foundation for developing cooperation in all fields, stating during his meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing: "Twenty-five years ago, our countries signed the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation. This is a fundamental intergovernmental document that serves as the basis for developing cooperation in all fields and remains fully relevant."
The Russian President also addressed Xi as his dear friend.
During the talks, Putin said to the Chinese President: "Mr. President, Mr. Xi Jinping, my dear friend, it is appropriate to use a Chinese proverb. As we know, it is said in China, 'We have not seen each other for one day, but it feels like three autumns have passed.'"
Strengthening Political Trust
Xi Jinping noted that relations between Russia and China have reached their current high level thanks to the strengthening of political trust.
Putin further pointed out that the driving force behind economic cooperation is Russia-China interaction in the energy sector, and amidst the Middle East crisis, Russia remains a "reliable supplier" of resources while China remains a "responsible consumer."
The Chinese President noted that China and Russia display courage in supporting international justice. He said: "[China and Russia], with the courage to maintain calmness even during a storm, have upheld international justice and advanced the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind."
Putin added: "The introduction of a mutual visa-free regime for citizens of our countries, at your initiative, has become a double incentive for expanding humanitarian communications. We will certainly continue this practice."
Invitation to Xi
The Russian President invited Xi Jinping to visit Russia in 2027.
On Wednesday, Vladimir Putin also confirmed his readiness to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, this autumn.
"We fully support China’s presidency over the APEC forum this year. For my part, I would like to confirm my readiness to participate in the Shenzhen summit in November," Putin told Xi.
A Fairer System for Global Governance
Continuing the meeting at the Great Hall of the People with the participation of both countries' delegations, Xi stated that China and Russia must establish a fairer system for global governance.
The Chinese leader said: "As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global powers, China and Russia, taking their long-term interests into account, must achieve national revitalization and establish a fairer and more reasonable system for global governance by advancing comprehensive strategic coordination and improving the quality of their relations."
Vladimir Putin stated: "Russia, alongside China, is striving to establish a fairer and more democratic world order, and close cooperation between Russia and China is particularly needed amidst the tense international situation. Together with our Chinese friends, we defend cultural and civilizational diversity and respect for the sovereign development of nations."
The Russian President noted that Russia and China are increasing coordination at the United Nations, BRICS, and other forums, and will continue active cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Extension of the Good-Neighborliness Treaty
The Chinese President said during the talks in Beijing that China supports the extension of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation with Russia and is ready to advance cooperation between the two countries based on the principle of mutual support.
Xi Jinping said he would work to preserve the spirit of this treaty and firmly advance bilateral strategic cooperation between China and Russia.
Vladimir Putin also stated that Russia-China relations have reached an unprecedented level, serving as a model of a true strategic partnership.
The Danger of Retrogression to the Law of the Jungle
The Chinese President warned against the danger of returning to the law of the jungle, noting the value of the China-Russia Good-Neighborliness Treaty: "The current international situation is undergoing serious changes, and the world faces the risk of returning to the law of the jungle. Under these circumstances, the progressive nature, scientific credibility, and practical value of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation are becoming increasingly apparent."
The Xinhua News Agency had previously reported that China and Russia agreed to extend the treaty.
In response, Putin said at the meeting: "The complex process of forming a multipolar world based on a balance of interests of all its participants is underway. Together with our Chinese friends, we defend cultural and civilizational diversity and respect for the independent development of states."
According to Putin, Russia-China cooperation in foreign policy is one of the main factors of stability in international relations.
Xi Jinping added: "The model of establishing a new type of intergovernmental relations [between Russia and China], based on mutual respect, fairness, and mutually beneficial cooperation, constantly brings valuable stability and predictability to a turbulent world."
According to Xi, the signing of the treaty 25 years ago strengthened China-Russia ties.
Middle East Ready to Transition from War to Peace
The Chinese President also pointed out that the situation in the Middle East is at a decisive stage, ready to transition from war to peace.
The Xinhua News Agency quoted Xi as saying: "The situation in the Persian Gulf region in the Middle East is at a decisive stage of transition from war to peace."
According to China Central Television (CCTV), Xi Jinping elaborated on his country's position regarding the Middle East situation: "A complete cessation of hostilities is urgent, a resumption of conflict is even more unacceptable, and a commitment to negotiations is particularly vital."
According to him, a swift end to the conflict in the Middle East will help reduce obstacles to energy supply and international trade.
CCTV reported that Xi said during his talks with Vladimir Putin: "A rapid end to hostilities will help reduce obstacles to stable energy supplies, the uninterrupted operation of production and supply chains, and international trade."
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