Politics

Xi, Putin underscore new development opportunities in bilateral relations

Beijing, Feb 8 (EFE).- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday emphasized that Beijing and Moscow have “new development opportunities” ahead and must work together to open a new chapter in bilateral relations.

The interaction between the leaders happened over a phone conversation on the occasion of the new Chinese Lunar Year, which begins on Saturday, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

“Looking to the future, China-Russia relations face new development opportunities. China is willing to work with Russia to continue to uphold the spirit of mutual assistance and friendship… and to write a new chapter in China-Russia relations,” Xi said.

The Chinese leader added that both countries should work to strengthen “strategic coordination,” safeguard their respective national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and “resolutely oppose interference in internal affairs by external forces.”

Xi said that over the past year, the two countries have reached “important consensus,” and cooperation in various fields has shown resilience and vitality. “The two sides have achieved their annual trade targets ahead of schedule.”

He recalled that during the 75 years of diplomatic relations, China and Russia “have together withstood many tests and challenges,” and would continue to improve bilateral relations in future.

The Chinese leader stressed that Beijing and Moscow would also work to safeguard “regional security, stability,” and the “common interests” of regional countries.

He underlined that China supported Russia’s rotating presidency of the BRICS in 2024 and was willing to work with Moscow to strengthen “international multilateralism” and “advocate” for a fair and equitable world multi-polarization.

For his part, Putin reportedly said that the relations between China and Russia “have reached an unprecedented high level,” achieving “fruitful” results in various fields in recent years.

Putin emphasized that Moscow was “willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China” within regional and international multilateral frameworks to “support each other.”

He said Russia was supporting the “one-China principle,” something Beijing has politically advocated internationally to isolate Taiwan and limit its participation in international organizations.

“Russia firmly adheres to the one-China principle and opposes any dangerous behavior that provokes China on the Taiwan issue. It believes that any attempt to obstruct China’s peaceful reunification will not succeed,” he said. EFE

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