Putin: Russia–China relations are improving, not directed against anyone

Ankara (ANTARA) - The President of Russia has said that the relationship between Moscow and Beijing has reached ‘a level never before seen’, while emphasising that the ties ‘are not directed against anyone’. In a video statement ahead of his visit to Beijing, Putin said that Russia and China are committed to expanding cooperation in political, economic, defence, and humanitarian exchanges, according to a statement released by the TASS news agency on Tuesday. ‘Our friendship is not directed against anyone,’ Putin said, stressing that the China–Russia relationship is based on mutual understanding and trust and on support for each other’s core interests, including sovereignty and national unity. The Russian president described his trip to Beijing as being at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, whom he described as ‘an old friend’. He also regarded it as important that high-level meetings be held regularly to deepen bilateral ties. According to Putin, Russia and China have built a ‘true strategic relationship and a comprehensive partnership’ following the signing of the 25-year Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation. ‘This special state is reflected in the nuances of mutual understanding and trust, a commitment to realise mutually beneficial and fair cooperation, to conduct dialogue with mutual respect, and to support one another in matters relating to each other’s core interests,’ Putin said. He welcomed the strengthening of economic cooperation reflected in bilateral trade exceeding $200 billion and in transactions conducted entirely ‘in rubles and yuan’. The Russian president welcomed the implementation of the joint visa-free policy which will boost tourism, business visits, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Moscow highly values China’s history and culture and is working to deepen cultural and humanitarian ties between the two nations, Putin said.