Russian President Vladimir Putin has described relations between Russia and China as having reached an “unprecedented” level ahead of his upcoming state visit to Beijing.
In a video address released before the visit, Putin said the close strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing was playing a major stabilising role in global affairs.
He welcomed the introduction of a mutual visa-free policy between the two countries, saying it would further strengthen people-to-people exchanges and bilateral cooperation.
The Russian president also stressed that Russia and China were not forming alliances against any country, but were instead working together to promote peace and universal prosperity.
Putin praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for his commitment to long-term cooperation with Russia, saying he deeply appreciated Xi’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
The remarks come as Moscow and Beijing continue to deepen economic, political and strategic cooperation amid growing geopolitical tensions with Western nations.
FP/MI