Xi's visit witnesses stronger China-Russia ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, July 4, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Chinese President Xi Jinping has wrapped up a short visit to Russia with stronger bilateral ties and an expanding cooperation agenda.

In his sixth tour to Russia since assuming office, the Chinese president met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

The Chinese leader reaffirmed the two countries' close relationship.

"Russia and China are kind neighbors linked by shared rivers and mountains. We are reliable friends and always give help and support to each other. Aside from that we are also good and reliable business partners who always work in close cooperation. Our main principles of friendship are mutual respect, equality and mutual beneficial interactions. These are the main principles in dealings between these two big countries."

In a joint statement endorsed by the two heads of state, both sides vowed to further consolidate their relations and promote deeper political mutual trust.

The two countries agreed that they will prioritize each other in diplomatic activities and support each other in safeguarding their core interests.

Both agreed to carry on the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Russia-led Eurasia Economic Union.

The two presidents also agreed on taking concrete measures to promote cooperation projects on cyber security, Arctic research, space, trade, technology, connectivity, and finance, as well as further cooperation through the BRICS platform.

They also pledged to jointly push for the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change and expand China-Russia cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

When it comes to major international issues, Putin said the two countries are also good partners. 

"Economic aspects are always at the center of our attention, but we deal with not only that, but also we are cooperating in the international arena, in the area of security, the fight with modern threats and challenges."

The two leaders vowed to work together on comprehensive and effective security in Northeast Asia as early as possible.

They expressed strong opposition against the unilateral installation of anti-missile systems in Europe and Asia-Pacific at the expense of regional' security interests.

Regarding the Syria issue, the two countries called for the respect of Syria's sovereignty and independence, and urged dialogue inside the Middle East nation to settle the current crisis through political and diplomatic means.

Speaking of the Afghanistan situation, both leaders expressed worries over the expansion of extremist and terrorist groups such as the Islamic State in the Asian country.

In a separate meeting with Medvedev, Xi Jinping urged the two countries to carry out the proposed Northern Sea Route cooperation under the banner of the "Ice Silk Road."

He also called on both sides to strengthen high-speed rail cooperation and push for an early start of the cooperative construction of a high-speed railway linking Moscow and Kazan.