In a sign of the strong ties between the two countries facing tensions with the West, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that he invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to visit China this year. Xi stated during a meeting before the start of a second round of talks with the Russian president, "I invited President Putin yesterday to visit China this year at his convenience," according to Russian news agencies.
The Chinese president emphasized that he chose to visit Russia first because it is one of the largest powers and strategic partners alongside his country, noting that the newly appointed Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China will prioritize developing the partnership with Russia.
Xi, in his meeting with Mishustin, called for intensifying the work of the governmental mechanisms of Russia and China throughout this year. For his part, the Russian Prime Minister stated that "Russia and China are working on new projects that will significantly increase transportation across the Siberian routes and across Asia."
He added, "We are coordinating actions to implement the agreements that will be reached today at the highest level." Despite sanctions and turmoil in global markets, trade and economic cooperation between Russia and China is successfully evolving. Mishustin remarked, "Russia is genuinely interested in further strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with China."
