Putin and Xi sign declaration on a multipolar world order

Moscow — Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed on Wednesday, 20 May, a declaration on the establishment of a multipolar world order and a new model for international relations, after their bilateral talks in Beijing, during which the leaders also attended the signing of a number of agreements to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Putin and Xi opened the event by signing a joint statement on enhanced comprehensive strategic coordination and the deepening of the friendship and good-neighbourliness between Russia and China.

The ceremony also featured an unusual moment, with four officials signing two documents simultaneously, reportedly to save time amid numerous agreements being concluded.

The event concluded with Putin and Xi signing the declaration on a multipolar world.

Ahead of Putin’s visit to China, Yury Ushakov, the Russian president’s aide, described the declaration as a 47-page policy document outlining the direction of the bilateral relationship, a shared vision on global issues, and major formats of international cooperation.

Putin began a two-day visit to China on Tuesday, a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump completed his visit to the country.

The visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship and Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation between Russia and China.