Xi calls for closer China-Russia cooperation

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for closer cooperation with Russia during talks with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Beijing on Wednesday.

Noting Russia as the country’s all-round strategic partner, Xi said China’s determination in enhancing bilateral relations will not change.

He called for closer cooperation in energy, equipment manufacturing, agriculture and aerospace.

The two sides should improve cooperation in technology and innovation and develop the digital economy as new growth points for cooperation in areas such as big data, Internet of Things and smart cities, Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev shake hands before talks at the Diaoyutai state guesthouse in Beijing, China November 1, 2017. /Reuters Photo

China and Russia should make good use of the mechanism of the Prime Ministers’ Regular Meeting to expand cooperation in various fields, Xi said, adding that both countries should maintain close coordination in international affairs and promote the building of a community of shared future.

During the meeting, Xi called on to integrate the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasia Economic Union, saying China and Russia should cooperate in the development and utilization of the Arctic navigation channels to create a "Silk Road on the Ice."

Xi also stressed the importance of collaboration in education, tourism and culture and acclaimed the progress made in people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Medvedev extended sincere greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin to President Xi. He congratulated Xi on the success of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and his reelection as General Secretary of CPC Central Committee.

The blueprint charted in the CPC National Congress was both significant to China and the world, Medvedev said.

Xi paid a state visit to Moscow in July this year. Medvedev hailed the enhanced cooperation in various fields since Xi’s visit and wished that the two sides could maintain close coordination in the international and regional issues.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev held the 22nd China-Russia Prime Ministers' Regular Meeting in Beijing, during which the two sides signed cooperation documents on customs, agriculture, finance and energy. Li and Medvedev also attended the closing ceremony of the China-Russia Media Exchange Year program.

Medvedev is leading a delegation of senior officials for an official visit to China till Thursday, aiming to promote economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

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