China, Russia to jointly uphold multilateralism, free trade

World
Europe

00:49

China-Russia relations are continuing to develop at a high level and China is willing to strengthen comprehensive strategic coordination with Russia, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said when meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in the Tajik capital city of Dushanbe on Friday.

Premier Li said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a successful meeting during the 4th Eastern Economic Forum in September and that substantial progress has been made in bilateral economic and trade cooperation with efforts from both sides.

He called on the two countries to continue expanding areas of cooperation and injecting new impetus into bilateral cooperation.

In the current complex and volatile international situation, China is willing to innovate cooperation ideas with Russia, explore more cooperation potential and expand cooperation in energy, science, technology and finance, Li noted.

In response, Medvedev said that the bilateral trade volume is expected to exceed 100 billion US dollars this year with the practical bilateral cooperation in various fields advancing steadily.

"I look forward to the prime ministers' meeting during my visit to China this year and Russia is willing to work with China to jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade," he added.

Premier Li arrived in Dushanbe on Friday for an official visit to Tajikistan and to attend the 17th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

4060km