Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have signed a joint statement on deepening the strategic partnership between Russia and China.
The document – more than 30 pages – notes the “special character” of their relationship and outlines further paths for development, Russian Presidential assistant Yuri Ushakov told state news agency RIA Novosti.
On signing the agreement, which followed more than two hours of talks, Mr Xi noted that both countries were permanent members of the UN Security Council and were working to form a multipolar world, RIA reported.
The so-called multipolar world policy refers to attempts to shift geopolitical power away from the West.
Mr Putin characterised the talks as “warm and comradely.”
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that relations between Russia and China are not opportunistic and are not directed against anyone.
“It is of fundamental importance that relations between Russia and China are not opportunistic and are not directed against anyone. Our cooperation in world affairs today serves as one of the main stabilizing factors in the international arena,” the Russian leader pointed out.
According to Putin, Russia and China together uphold the principles of justice and a democratic world order that reflects multipolar realities and a world order based on international law. “Russia and China are successfully cooperating in the UN, BRICS, SCO and G20. We are determined to further harmonize integration processes in the Eurasian space, to combine the potential of the Eurasian Economic Community and your, my dear friend, Belt and Road Initiative,” the Russian leader listed.
Putin expressed hope that his current visit would give an additional impetus to the development of the entire complex of bilateral cooperation. “I would like to emphasize: I am very happy to arrive in China and to meet with you,” Putin told Xi Jinping.
Also, on the eve of his visit to China, Vladimir Putin talked up his supposed desire for a “peaceful” solution in Ukraine – despite launching a fresh incursion across the border into Kharkiv last Friday, forcing 8,000 people to flee their homes.
Mr Putin has repeatedly backed so-called peace plans, such as China’s proposal last year, that consolidate Russia’s territorial gains, while at the same time bombarding Ukraine.
The UN’s latest estimates recorded Russia’s invasion has killed upwards of 10,000 civilians, as of November last year.
“We have never refused to negotiate. We are seeking a comprehensive, sustainable and just settlement of this conflict through peaceful means. We are open to a dialogue on Ukraine, but such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including ours,” Mr Putin was quoted as saying by the China’s state Xinhua News Agency.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said any negotiations must include a restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of all prisoners, a tribunal for those responsible for the aggression, and security guarantees for Ukraine.