Mikhail Mishustin meets with Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang

The talks took place as part of Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang's official visit to Russia.

Excerpts from the transcript:

Mikhail Mishustin: Mr Li Qiang,

I am delighted to welcome you to the Government House of the Russian Federation. This is your first official visit to Russia as the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, during which you will take part in the 29^th regular meeting of prime ministers of Russia and China.

I am confident that our talks will be held in a constructive atmosphere, allowing us to discuss the implementation of the historic agreements reached by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping in Moscow in March 2023 and in Beijing in May of this year.

Please convey my greetings and best wishes to the esteemed Mr Xi Jinping.

This year, we will celebrate the 75^th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Our country was the first to recognise the People's Republic of China on the day after its establishment. Over the decades, Russian-Chinese relations have reached an unprecedented high level of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction. The two governments have established a mechanism for regular meetings between the prime ministers. This mechanism ensures a systemic interaction between five intergovernmental commissions co-chaired by Russian and Chinese deputy prime ministers, as well as over 80 joint coordinating bodies and entities.

Despite growing external pressure, we have exceeded the goal to increase the volume of mutual trade set by our leaders, the leaders of Russia and China. Last year, our trade exceeded 20 trillion roubles, or 1.6 trillion RMB.

Our cooperation in investment, energy, culture, and the humanitarian sphere has developed steadily. We are consistently strengthening our inter-regional ties and have diversified trade, as well as economic and investment cooperation through joint efforts. The use of our national currencies has also expanded, with the share of roubles and RMB in mutual payments exceeding 95 percent.

We are creating favourable conditions for businesses to work in the markets of Russia and China. Our strategic cooperation in the energy sector encompasses oil, gas, coal, and nuclear energy.

In the transportation sector, we have encouraged the growth of bilateral and transit freight carriage, and we are working to increase the capacity of checkpoints on the Russian-Chinese border.

We have focused on cooperating in agriculture and ensuring food security of Russia and China.

We sincerely value our strong ties in culture, science, education and sports. These ties are based on centuries-old traditions of friendship and mutual sympathy between the peoples of Russia and China.

We have also successfully organised all events within the framework of the cross Years of Culture of Russia and China.

Mr Li Qiang, we are delighted to have you here in Russia and Moscow. We have an extensive and substantial agenda.

The floor is yours.

Li Qiang (via interpreter): Mr Prime Minister Mishustin,

I am delighted to visit beautiful Russia and to meet my old friend once again.

I have just laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Red Square. It made me relate even more profoundly to the great patriotism of the Russian people. It reminded me of that difficult and glorious time 70 years ago when we fought the Nazis together and defended peace for entire humanity.

Chinese-Russian friendship has withstood international turbulence. We have a long history together, and we can say that our friendship is solid, strong and unshakeable.

This year, as you rightly pointed out, China and Russia are celebrating the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

President Xi Jinping and President Putin have already met twice this year. They have carried out comprehensive planning and set new guidelines for China-Russia cooperation for a new historical period following this major milestone.

Our multifaceted cooperation has shown tremendous resilience and continues to grow steadily.

We have achieved remarkable results, and now, amid a complex and volatile international environment, the Chinese side is ready to move forward even more confidently together with our Russian partners, guided by the strategy adopted by our leaders. In the spirit of mutual respect, mutual trust, our centuries-old friendship, and mutual benefit, we will promote our multifaceted cooperation to a higher level for the benefit of our nations, and for the sake of equality and justice throughout the world.

Mr Prime Minister, I am ready to exchange views with you on all issues of shared interest.

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