Russian President Vladimir Putin praised on Sunday “China’s willingness to play a constructive role in resolving” the conflict in Ukraine, as Beijing seeks to assert 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 the leader. Chinese 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,” the president said in the article published by the Kremlin.
The quality of 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 the “balanced” position on the “events in Ukraine”, for the “understanding of its prehistory and its true reasons.”
“Russia is open to resolving the Ukrainian crisis through political-diplomatic means,” said the Russian leader.
However, he insisted on kyiv’s recognition of “new geopolitical realities”, namely the annexation of four Ukrainian regions last fall, as well as Crimea in 2014.
“Unfortunately, the ultimatums to Russia show that [os seus autores] are far from these realities and have no interest in finding a solution,” he said.
Vladimir Putin also mentioned in the article that he has “high expectations” for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
“We have great expectations regarding the upcoming talks,” he said, adding that he has no doubt that they will give “a powerful new impetus to all bilateral cooperation.”
In the words of Vladimir Putin, in relations between Moscow and Beijing “there are no limits, no forbidden topics.”
“Our political dialogue is extremely frank, while our strategic cooperation has become comprehensive and is entering a new era,” he wrote.
And he added in the article: “It is Chinese relations that today are the cornerstone of regional and global stability, stimulate economic growth and serve as a guarantee of a positive agenda in international affairs.”
According to the Russian president, the meeting with Xi Jinping, who is expected in Moscow on Monday for a three-day visit, will also be an opportunity to “see a good old friend” with whom he has the “warmest relations.”
Source: TSF
