Conversation with Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang

Conversation with Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang

The President of Russia held a conversation with Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang at the Constantine Palace in St Petersburg. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Premier, friends, Allow me to warmly welcome you to St Petersburg. First of all, I would like to ask you to convey my warmest regards to my friend, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. We have already met three times this year and, as agreed, we will have an opportunity to meet again at the APEC summit in Shenzhen in November this year. Our top-level talks have yielded important new agreements on the further development of Russian-Chinese relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction. Naturally, the main responsibility for implementing them rests with the governments of our two countries. It is our governments that translate our cooperation into practice across all key areas. Today, together with Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin, you held the 31st regular meeting of the heads of government of Russia and China. Over the past 30 years, this mechanism has proved its effectiveness and relevance. We are grateful for your personal contribution to the development of Russian-Chinese ties and for the constructive approach taken by your colleagues – members of the Government of the People’s Republic of China – towards all these matters. Overall, I would like to note that the ties between Russia and China are developing successfully and dynamically. They are based on the principles of equality, respect for each other, mutual benefit, and consideration for each other’s interests. Our relations do not depend on the international climate and are not directed against anyone. Trade and economic ties are on the rise, and we will continue to expand practical cooperation across all key areas. We are working together in energy, information technology, space exploration, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. I would like to note the substantial progress in agricultural supplies: over the first eight months of this year, trade turnover increased by 34 percent. Cooperation in the humanitarian sphere is growing stronger. Events as part of the Cross Years of [Russian-Chinese Cooperation in] Education are being held successfully; President Xi Jinping and I officially launched them in Beijing in May. Comrade Li Qiang, I know that next week, October 26–29, a major event in China’s domestic political life will take place – the fifth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. I wish our Chinese friends every success in holding this important event. Once again, welcome. Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang (retranslated): Mr President Putin, I am pleased to meet with you here in St Petersburg. First of all, allow me to convey the sincere greetings and best wishes from President of China Xi Jinping. This is my third visit to beautiful Russia since I took office as Premier of the State Council of China. On each visit, I have been struck by the sincerity and friendliness of the Russian people. Last month, Russia successfully held elections to the State Duma, and the results fully reflect the will of the Russian people. The Chinese side extends its congratulations to the Russian side. I am confident that, under your steadfast leadership, Russia will continue to advance confidently along the path of national development and revival. Earlier this year, President Xi Jinping met with you, and you jointly outlined a roadmap for the development of bilateral relations and cooperation. Amid complex and turbulent international situation, unilateralism and hegemonism are running rampant. Against this backdrop, the close ties between China and Russia are particularly valuable, serving as a precious stabilising factor in a turbulent world. China stands ready to work together with Russia, building on the agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders, to further deepen mutual trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation across a wide range of areas for the benefit of our nations. I look forward to hearing your important thoughts, Mr President.