Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow and Beijing have set far-reaching and ambitions goals for the future.
Speaking during the State dinner in honor of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Putin said: “We have just signed an agreement on boosting bilateral relations that are entering a new era, and on developing economic cooperation until 2030, we outlined the horizons of our partnership and set goals and tasks for the future that are daring in the finest sense of this word.”
Addressing the Chinese President, the Russian leader emphasized that he appreciates Xi’s decision to pay a state visit to Russia shortly after re-election.
“This is a clear proof of the special nature of the Russian-Chinese partnership, which is based on mutual respect and recognition of each other’s interests,” Putin said, adding that Russia and China have strong ties of neighborliness, cooperation and friendship.
In his words, Moscow is seeking to further develop its bilateral relations with China and notes similar attitude on the part of Beijing.
The Russian leader noted that Tuesday’s talks between Russia and China have produced good results.
“The progress in bilateral relations, reached over the past decade, is truly impressive,” Putin said, adding that ties between Russia and China are at the highest level of all times.
“As I have already said many times before, the Russian-Chinese relations are now at their highest level in all our history and quite literally can serve as a model.
“This is an example of cooperation between global powers, who bear special responsibility for maintaining global stability and security as permanent members of the UN Security Council,” he said.
President Xi told Vladimir Putin that ‘change is coming’ as he departed Moscow on Tuesday evening following talks with his Russian counterpart.
‘Change is coming that hasn’t happened in 100 years. And we are driving this change together,’ Xi told Putin via his interpreter – words sure to set alarm bells ringing in the West.
‘Please, take care, dear friend,’ he added, gripping Putin’s hand warmly before being waved off by the Russian despot, who bid Xi a ‘safe journey’.