Putin says he looks forward to in-depth discussions with Xi on ties

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he looks forward to in-depth discussions with Xi on all aspects of the bilateral agenda.

In a written interview on the eve of his visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit and China's V-Day commemorations in Beijing, Putin called Xi's visit to Russia in May a "resounding success."

Putin said the visit drew wide international attention and was highly regarded in his country, with its achievements including a comprehensive joint statement and the signing of a substantial package of bilateral documents.

Xi's visit had "deep symbolic significance to the further development of Russian-Chinese relations," Putin said. "We reaffirmed the strategic choice of our peoples in favor of strengthening the traditions of good-neighborliness, friendship, and long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation."

"Very soon, at the invitation of President Xi, I will pay a return visit to China," Putin said, adding that he looks forward to in-depth discussions with Xi on all aspects of the bilateral agenda, and exchanges of views on pressing regional and international issues.

"In Russia, we deeply value the Chinese leader's genuine commitment to advancing our comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation," Putin said.

On trade and economic cooperation, Putin said that economic relations between Russia and China have reached an unprecedented level. Since 2021, he noted, bilateral trade has grown by about 100 billion US dollars.

In terms of trade volume, China is by far Russia's leading partner, while last year Russia ranked fifth among China's foreign trade partners, he said, adding that transactions between Russia and China are almost completely carried out in rubles and yuan.

Russia firmly retains its position as a leading exporter of oil and gas to China, Putin said, adding that the two sides continue their joint efforts to reduce bilateral trade barriers.

"In recent years, the export of pork and beef to China has been launched. Overall, agricultural and food products occupy a prominent place in Russia's exports to China," he said.

Bilateral investment volumes are growing, and large-scale joint projects are being implemented in priority sectors, Putin said, adding that the two countries are cooperating closely in industry.

"Russia is one of the world's principal markets for Chinese car exports," he said. "Together, we are building high-tech manufacturing and infrastructure facilities. We also have large-scale plans in the construction materials industry."

"To sum up, economic cooperation, trade and industrial collaboration between our countries are advancing across multiple areas. During my upcoming visit, we will certainly discuss further prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation and new steps to intensify it for the benefit of the peoples of Russia and China," Putin said.