Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a joint statement in Beijing on Wednesday, May 20, pledging to deepen comprehensive strategic coordination and strengthen good-neighbourliness and friendly cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting opened with a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, where Xi greeted Putin with a lengthy handshake before both leaders delivered opening remarks. Putin quoted a Chinese proverb in Russian during his speech: “Not seeing you for one day feels like being apart for three autumns.” Xi said China and Russia should assist each other’s “development revitalisation” and strengthen bilateral coordination amid global challenges.
The two leaders first held a smaller meeting, during which Putin invited Xi to visit Russia next year, according to Chinese media reports. This was followed by a larger meeting involving senior officials from both sides.
After the talks, Xi and Putin attended a signing ceremony in which the two countries concluded 20 agreements spanning trade, infrastructure, media, film, scientific research, and talent development.
According to Chinese producer Kat Tse in Beijing, the agreements included a Technology Cooperation Agreement under the trade framework, a Sustainable Trade and Urban Cooperation Agreement, and an Anti-Monopoly Cadre Training Agreement. The two sides also signed a Media Cooperation Joint Activities Agreement and a Film Intellectual Property Cooperation Agreement. Additional deals included a Talent Development and Scientific Research Cooperation Agreement and an agreement to establish a Joint Innovation Institute.
Also Read: In Russia’s Frozen Heart, A Village Wakes Up to Hare Krishna Chants
Both leaders formally endorsed the agreements at the conclusion of the signing ceremony.
