Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met Wednesday, July 3, 2024, as they visited Kazakhstan for a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.
The two leaders met amid the annual session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, July 4, 2024, in the Kazakh capital of Astana.
In his meeting with Xi, Putin asserted that Russian-Chinese relations are going through a golden age.”
“We have stated that Russian-Chinese relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation are in the best period of their history. They are being built on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and respect for each other’s sovereignty.”
Vladimir Putin
Putin recalled how he traveled to China on a state visit in May 16-17, 2024, in particular to its northern city of Harbin.
“When visiting Harbin, we all understood once again how close the historical ties between Russia and the People’s Republic of China are,” the Russian President said.
Putin thanked Xi Jinping for his hospitality, noting “how warmly” he was welcomed in China and also recalling “substantial talks” held in Beijing.
Putin and Xi last got together in May when the Kremlin leader visited Beijing to underscore their close partnership that opposes the U.S.-led democratic order and seeks to promote a more “multipolar” world.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was established in 2001 by China and Russia to discuss security concerns in Central Asia and the wider region.
Other members are Iran, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Observer states and dialogue partners include Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Putin Meets Erdogan
Separately, Putin met with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Astana.
Speaking with Erdogan, Putin stated that Russia and Turkey continue to actively work on a number of the most important directions of international policy.
“We are in constant contact with you. Our ministries and agencies are constantly exchanging information and coordinating positions on key areas,” Putin said.
He noted that Russia and Turkey work both within international organizations and associations.
“We are very happy to meet on the sidelines of the SCO. I am very pleased with our new contact,” Putin concluded.
Prior to their meeting, Russian Presidential Spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin will discuss various trade and economic issues during negotiations with the leaders of China and Turkey, Xi Jinping and Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“Various aspects of trade and economic cooperation will, of course, be discussed,” the Kremlin Spokesman said in response to a question about whether payment difficulties will be discussed at the negotiations with Turkey and China.
Peskov also noted that Russia and China maintain cooperation in all fields, including sensitive areas.
“Our trade and economic relations with China are well-developed and our trade has reached a high level, exceeding $200 bln,” he said.
“There are some issues but such a wide range [of relations] is impossible without problems,” the Russian Presidential Spokesman noted.
“However, we address all the issues quite successfully, maintaining dialogue. We work in numerous task forces and joint commissions, and this work will continue,” he added.
“That said, we maintain cooperation with China in all fields, including sensitive areas,” Peskov said.
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