Russia, China PMs pledge deeper strategic and economic ties

Russia and China’s prime ministers have pledged to deepen strategic cooperation, especially in the economic, trade and energy sectors, at the 31st joint meeting.

Mikhail Mishustin, Russia’s prime minister, pointed to the high level of ties between the two countries, describing them as a model for bilateral cooperation and saying the relationship remained dynamic despite external pressure.

He also said the use of national currencies in bilateral trade had reached almost 100%, and that cooperation between the two sides in the energy sector was of strategic importance. Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Beijing was ready to continue and expand cooperation in various fields, while stressing the active development of relations.

According to reports, Russia and China also exchanged views on facilitating cooperation in trade, industry, agriculture, transport and education. The meeting took place in St Petersburg and came amid global developments that have caused changes and instability on the international stage.