Official website of the President of Russia

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Li Qiang,

I am delighted to meet with you again in Moscow.

We have just held a meeting with the participants of the Council of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states and discussed development prospects for this important and influential international platform.

Russia and China’s close cooperation within this format contributes to the SCO’s emergence as a pillar of the multipolar world order, the involvement of the Global South countries in its activities, and the formation of an open and non-discriminatory international trading system. I believe that this year’s meeting of the SCO Council of the Heads of Government seamlessly complemented the efforts of our Chinese friends during their presidency, which successfully concluded with the summit in Tianjin.

I fondly recall my visit to that wonderful, modern, and beautiful Chinese city, as well as my in-depth discussions with my friend, President Xi Jinping, both in Tianjin and later in Beijing during the celebrations marking the 80^th anniversary of China’s victory over militarist Japan and the end of World War II.

Please, convey my warmest greetings and best wishes to the President of the People’s Republic of China.

The comprehensive Russian-Chinese relations of partnership and strategic interaction, having entered a new era, are truly experiencing the best period in their history. They are built upon the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and mutual support on issues affecting each other’s core interests, and are not directed against anyone.

The 30^th session in the format of regular meetings between Russian and Chinese heads of government was recently held in Hangzhou and was very productive. Immediately upon his return, Mr Mishustin reported to me about the results of his detailed talks with you, as well as his meeting with President Xi Jinping. I am pleased to note that our governments, ministries, and agencies are working in close coordination to implement the full range of practical agreements reached at the highest level.

We highly appreciate your personal efforts, Mr Premier, and your personal contribution to this work.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our Chinese colleagues on the successful conclusion of the Fourth plenary session of the 20^th CPC Central Committee, which set forth the main guidelines for China’s development in the next five years, to 2030. We are confident that all the goals set will be fully achieved. We know – and I personally know this well from my work with President Xi Jinping – that everything he sets out to accomplish is implemented.

Last year, we achieved the highest levels of mutual trade in the entire history of our bilateral relations. We will continue to develop trade cooperation in line with the approved long-term plans. It is essential to safeguard our trade and economic collaboration from adverse external influences. The implementation of a broad array of joint sectoral projects in energy, industry, space, and agriculture will elevate our partnership to a new qualitative level and reinforce its technological foundation. Undoubtedly, the training of qualified personnel demands attention. In this context, the designation of 2026–2027 as the Years of Education of Russia and China will prove highly advantageous. We have planned this initiative. In my view, it is both timely and exemplary.

Humanitarian exchanges are progressing positively. The cross Years of Culture are drawing to a successful close.

The decision by our Chinese friends to introduce a visa-free regime for Russian citizens will undoubtedly further expand contacts between our peoples. We appreciate this gesture of goodwill. In reciprocation, corresponding measures for citizens of the People’s Republic of China visiting Russia will take effect in the nearest future. I am confident this will yield significant outcomes in both the economic and humanitarian spheres. In my opinion, it will serve as a distinctly positive boost to the advancement of our relations.

Thank you for your attention.

The floor is yours.

Premier of the State Council of China Li Qiang (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President,

It is a great honour for me to return to the splendid city of Moscow and to meet with you once again.

First and foremost, I wish to convey the heartfelt greetings and best wishes from President Xi Jinping.

Thanks to your attention and support, Mr President, the recent meeting of the SCO Council of the Heads of Government in Russia was conducted successfully. The Russian side undertook extensive work to prepare and hold this meeting, which ensured the attainment of positive outcomes, the fulfilment of set objectives, and the effective implementation of the decisions reached at the Tianjin summit. We extend our congratulations on this achievement. We stand ready to maintain close collaboration with you to foster the high-quality development of the SCO.

Under the strategic leadership of our countries’ heads of state, the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between China and Russia in the new era continue to flourish. Since the outset of this year, President Xi Jinping and you, Mr President, have met twice, setting a clear trajectory for the deepening of China-Russia relations.

Confronted with an unpredictable and unstable international landscape, we are prepared to work alongside you, upholding the spirit of our enduring friendship, steadfastly adhering to the principles established by the two countries’ leaders, deepening the alignment of our development strategies, broadening practical cooperation across all areas, and delivering tangible results for the prosperity and progress of our nations.

I am eager to hear your valuable insights.

Thank you, Mr President.

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