In a visit described as historic, and to confirm the deep-rooted relations and strategy of cooperation in various fields, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the Russian capital, Moscow, opening a new phase in the course of relations between the two countries.
President Xi’s visit to Russia, in which he attended, in addition to the file of relations between the two sides, developments in the region, including the hot file of Ukraine and China’s initiative to reach a solution to the Ukrainian crisis, which Moscow met with openness expressed in the statements of Russian President Vladimir Putin during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart.
Yesterday, Presidents Xi and Putin held talks in the Kremlin, hours after the Chinese president arrived in Moscow, during which Putin stressed that China has made, in recent years, a huge leap forward in its development, and this is something of real interest in all parts. Important steps in the development of relations between Russia and China over the past ten years, as the volume of trade between the two countries has doubled and now stands at $185 billion.
The Russian president told his Chinese counterpart that he had carefully read China’s plan to resolve the situation in Ukraine, and said: “Of course, we will have the opportunity to discuss this issue. We know that China proceeds from the principles of justice and observance of the basic provisions of international law, and the indivisible security of all countries,” stressing that his country is always open to the negotiation process with Ukraine and respects the Chinese plan on resolving the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
In turn, Xi considered during the meeting that thanks to Putin’s leadership, the country has made great progress in the prosperity of the state, and that the Russian people stand by and support the president and said: “I am sure that the Russian people will strongly support you in your good endeavors,” adding: There must be good relations document between China and Russia.
“The Chinese side attaches great importance to the development of Sino-Russian relations, because this has its own historical logic. We are the largest neighboring countries, and we are partners in comprehensive strategic cooperation, and our two countries have close relations,” Xi said.
Upon his arrival at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, the Chinese president expressed, in a statement, his country’s readiness to stand by Russia “to protect international law.” On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I express my sincere greetings and best wishes to the Russian government and people.
In his statement, the Chinese president stressed that his visit to Moscow will be fruitful and give new impetus to the development of relations with Russia.
Earlier yesterday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that the two presidents would discuss the Chinese peace initiative regarding Ukraine, pointing out that Putin would inform the Chinese president of Russia’s position on the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, saying in a press statement: “Of course, President Putin will present the side’s position.” Russia regarding the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis ».
The Kremlin spokesman said that the two leaders will hold bilateral talks during an informal lunch, and “there will be (yesterday) Monday a meeting between the two presidents, which is informal, but very important, between Putin and Xi.”
He also stated that today, Tuesday, official meetings will be held between the two presidents, and statements to journalists will be prepared.
According to experts, President Xi’s visit will lay the foundation for the development of China-Russia relations in the next five years, as well as deepening mutual understanding between Moscow and Beijing on major international and regional issues.
Before his arrival in Moscow, the Chinese president considered, in an article by the Russian “Novosti” agency and the “Rossiyskaya Gazeta” newspaper, that “complex problems do not have simple solutions,” but that there would be a way out if there was an equal dialogue, referring to the war in Ukraine.
The United States hastened, before President Xi began his visit to Moscow, to announce its rejection of any “possible” Chinese calls for a truce in Ukraine, following the (expected) meeting between the Chinese President and the Russian President.
In an interview with the American “Fox News” channel, John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the National Security Council at the White House, said: “If Monday’s meeting between Xi and Putin leads to any call for a truce, that would be unacceptable, because it is considered an endorsement of the Russian invasion.”