Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday welcomed “China’s willingness to play a constructive role in resolving” the conflict in Ukraine as Beijing seeks to impose itself as a mediator between Moscow and Kiev.
“We welcome China’s willingness to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis” in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin said in an article written for a Chinese newspaper and published by the Kremlin on the eve of a visit to Russia by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Vladimir Putin also praised Russian-Chinese relations, “at the highest point” in their history.
“Russian-Chinese relations have reached the highest point in their history and continue to strengthen,” said the president in the article published by the Kremlin.
The quality of the ties between Moscow and Beijing, he added, is “superior to the political and military unions of the Cold War era”.
In the article, the Russian president also said that he was grateful to China for its “balanced” view on the “events in Ukraine”, for its “understanding of prehistory and the true reasons”.
“Russia is open to a solution of the Ukrainian crisis by political-diplomatic means,” the Russian leader assured.
However, he urged Kiev to recognize the “new geopolitical reality” of annexing four Ukrainian regions last fall, as well as Crimea in 2014.
“Unfortunately, the ultimatums to Russia show that [os seus autores] are far from this reality and have no interest in seeking a solution,” he said.
Vladimir Putin also said in the article that he has “high hopes” for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
“We have great expectations regarding the next talks,” he said, adding that he has no doubt that they will “give a new and powerful impetus to all bilateral cooperation.”
In the words of Vladimir Putin, in relations between Moscow and Beijing “there are no borders, no forbidden subjects”.
“Our political dialogue is candid to the utmost, while our strategic cooperation has become all-encompassing and is entering a new era,” he wrote.
And he added in the article, “It is China’s relations that today are the cornerstone of regional and global stability, driving economic growth and serving as the guarantor of a positive agenda in international affairs.”
According to the Russian president, the meeting with Xi Jinping, expected on Monday for a three-day visit in Moscow, will also be an opportunity to “to see a good old friend” with whom he has the “heartiest relations”.
Source: DN
