Russia and China have established in recent years a relationship that is more than a simple strategic partnership, which will be further promoted, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday during his annual year-end press conference.
“China is our biggest trade and economic partner, even though there has been some decline caused in part by objective circumstances, primarily lower energy product prices,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his annual year-end press conference on December 23, 2016. /CFP Photo
Moreover, the two sides have made joint efforts to diversify their cooperation, with major projects launched in the fields of aviation, infrastructure, space and atomic energy.
He congratulated China on the yuan joining the International Monetary Fund's basket of reserve currencies, which he said would benefit bilateral economic relations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin answers reporters' questions during his annual year-end press conference on December 23, 2016. /CFP Photo
As Russia and China share common positions on many issues in the global arena, Putin said that the two countries will continue to be serious stabilizing elements on all international affairs.
(Story from Xinhua)
