Russian President Vladimir Putin said relations between Moscow and Beijing had reached an unprecedented level and stressed that the countries’ friendship was not directed against anyone before his visit to China, according to remarks published today by Russian state news agency TASS, reports Anadolu.

In a video address released before his trip to Beijing, Putin said Russia and China were committed to expanding cooperation in politics, economy, defense and exchanges. humanitarian.

“Our friendship is not directed against anyone,” Putin said, adding that ties between the two countries were based on “mutual understanding and trust” and support for each other’s core interests, including sovereignty and state unity.

He said he was traveling to Beijing at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he described as a “longtime good friend,” adding that regular high-level contacts were vital for deepening bilateral relations.

The Russian president said the two countries had built a “truly strategic relationship and comprehensive partnership” since the signing of the Treaty of Good Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation 25 years ago.

“Their special nature is reflected in the atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust, a commitment to pursue equal and mutually beneficial cooperation, conducting respectful dialogue and supporting each other on issues affecting the core interests of both countries, including the protection of sovereignty and state unity,” Putin said.

He praised economic cooperation, saying that bilateral trade had exceeded $200 billion and that deals were now conducted almost entirely in rubles and yuan. Putin welcomed the establishment of a mutual visa-free regime, saying it would boost tourism, business travel and people-to-people exchanges.

Putin added that Moscow highly values ​​China’s history and culture and seeks to deepen humanitarian and cultural ties between the two countries.

Source: prizrenpost