Russian and Chinese leaders will sign a statement marking a new era in relations between the two countries during China’s president’s visit to Russia next week, the Kremlin announced on Friday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and China’s leader Xi Jinping will sign “a joint statement (…) providing for the deepening of partnership and strategic relations, ushering in a new era,” said the diplomatic adviser to the Kremlin, Yuri Ushakov, quoted by Russian news agencies.
According to Ushakov, Putin and Xi will also sign another document on Russian-Chinese economic cooperation until 2030, as well as a dozen other agreements in preparation.
On Monday, the two leaders will also publish an editorial to be published in a Russian newspaper and a Chinese newspaper, “an important signal ahead of actual talks,” Ushakov said.
The Kremlin’s diplomatic adviser stressed that the conflict in Ukraine would be a topic for discussion at the meeting, adding that Russia “greatly appreciates the complete restraint and balanced stance of the Chinese leadership on this issue.” stilt”.
According to Ushakov, “Beijing understands the real causes of this crisis” and Moscow positively welcomes China’s proposed initiative to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, based on a document published on February 24.
Putin and Xi will also talk about “military-technical” and energy cooperation, according to Ushakov.
Regarding the schedule of Xi’s visit, which will take place between March 20 and 22, Ushakov said the two presidents will have an initial one-on-one meeting on Monday before dinner.
The Kremlin spokesman had previously spoken of a “lunch”.
Xi’s visit comes as Russia has been massively shifting its economy to China since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, which has led to a slew of Western sanctions.
Many analysts believe that Moscow is now at risk of developing a form of dependence on Beijing, a statement disputed by Ushakov.
“There is no leader or follower in Russia-China relations. Both sides trust each other equally,” the Russian spokesman said.
Source: DN
