On October 16, during the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states held in Islamabad, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Premier Li emphasized that under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia has maintained a high level of development. He highlighted the strong mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests, effective strategic collaboration, ongoing practical cooperation, and vibrant cultural and local exchanges, all of which have brought tangible benefits to the people of both countries. Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Li expressed China’s willingness to work with Russia to further implement the important consensus reached by their heads of state, enhance strategic coordination, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. He noted that these efforts would contribute to the development and revitalization of both nations, as well as to global prosperity and stability.
Li pointed out that China seeks to deepen traditional cooperation in trade, energy, and other sectors with Russia while promoting collaboration in emerging areas like the digital economy. He stressed the importance of enhancing coordination in industrial and supply chains, aiming to achieve more practical results. He called for closer communication and collaboration between the two countries, encouraging SCO member states to uphold the “Shanghai Spirit,” foster strategic mutual trust, adhere to mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and work together to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, the digital economy, and green industries, ultimately making the organization more dynamic and its cooperation more practical and inclusive.
In response, Prime Minister Mishustin remarked that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and China, noting that their comprehensive strategic partnership has reached unprecedented heights. In light of the current international situation, he expressed Russia’s readiness to work with China to fulfill the important consensus reached by their leaders, support each other in maintaining core interests, enhance the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, and deepen practical cooperation in trade, energy, transportation, and agriculture. Mishustin also mentioned the importance of successfully organizing the “Year of Russian-Chinese Culture” and strengthening communication and collaboration within frameworks such as the United Nations, SCO, and BRICS, to further advance the enduring development of the bilateral relationship.
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