Xi Jinping urges China, Russia to preserve unique value of ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged China and Russia to continuously maintain the unique value of China-Russia relations and explore the internal driving force of bilateral cooperation.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Recalling Putin's state visit to China in May to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, Xi noted that they had jointly made significant plans for the future development of the bilateral relationship.

He also said that facing an international situation fraught with turbulence and changes, the two countries should continue to uphold the original aspiration of lasting friendship and stick to the determination to benefit the people.

The two countries should also make efforts to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations, Xi said.

The Chinese president added that he looks forward to in-depth discussions with Putin and other heads of state on SCO cooperation to promote the organization's steady and long-term development and build a closer SCO community with a shared future.

Putin said Russia-China relations are at their highest historical level and are characterized by mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. 

He said the relations serve the welfare of the people of both countries, are nonaligned and are not directed against any third party, 

Russia supports China in safeguarding its core interests and legitimate rights and opposes external forces interfering in China's internal affairs and meddling in matters regarding the South China Sea, Putin said.

Noting that China is about to assume the rotating presidency of the SCO, Putin said Russia will fully support China's work and that, together with other member states, Russia will continuously enhance the international influence of the organization, maintain regional peace and security, and push the international system toward a more just and reasonable direction.

As the current rotating chair of BRICS, Russia also looks forward to strengthening communication and cooperation with China regarding BRICS cooperation, Putin said.

The two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. Xi said China always stands on the right side of history, insists on promoting peace and negotiations, and is willing to continue making positive efforts to politically resolve regional hot spot issues, such as the Ukraine crisis.

(With input from Xinhua)