A qualitatively new stage is beginning in the relationship between Moscow and Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a meeting held today with Russian President Vladimir Putin , who, after being confirmed in his new position, paid his first foreign visit to Russia today. According to him, Russia and China have come a long way over the past 20 years, and now have “mature and strong political relations.”

Photo: ITAR-TASS

“You and I have similar personalities. We are good friends,” said the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China.

In turn, V. Putin fully agreed with this assessment of relations between the Russian Federation and the PRC, adding that Russian-Chinese relations are currently the most important factor in world politics. However, in order to “maintain such dynamics, it is necessary to concentrate efforts on the most important areas.”

“One of them directly meets the vital interests of our citizens - the development of economic ties,” the Russian president explained, adding that trade turnover between the countries has already come close to the $90 billion mark and continues to grow.

The Russian President pointed out that in recent years both sides have done a lot to advance in all areas of cooperation: trade turnover between the Russian Federation and the PRC is growing, business ties are strengthening, and the countries are carrying out major humanitarian actions.

“We are very glad to see our Chinese friends in our country. We are confident that your visit will give a new powerful impetus to the development of Russian-Chinese relations,” V. Putin concluded.

Earlier today, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said that he very highly appreciates the level of Russia's relations with the European Union and China.

“We are partners with the European Union, we have a special partnership with China, we are not jealous of each other, we are trying to benefit from this for the peoples of our countries,” Dmitry Medvedev said.

The new leader of China came to V. Putin to talk about new friendship