The meeting took place within the framework of Mikhail Mishustin’s working visit to China.
Xi Jinping: Mr. Prime Minister, I am very glad to meet with you again. We cordially welcome you and the Russian delegation to China.
I am pleased to note that yesterday the 28th regular meeting of the heads of Government of China and Russia was successfully held, at which you and Premier Li Qiang exchanged views in detail on a wide range of issues of multifaceted practical cooperation and reached new agreements.
In the first 11 months of this year, our trade turnover reached 218 billion 200 million US dollars. The task set by President Putin and me five years ago – to bring the volume of bilateral trade to $200 billion – has been completed ahead of schedule.
This reflects the positive dynamics of practical cooperation between the two countries. Today, we have laid a strong foundation for cooperation, its scale and quality are growing, and our ability to withstand risks is strengthening, which fully demonstrates stress tolerance and a broad perspective of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
Next year is marked by the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. At this new start, the parties should increase the positive effect of high-level political relations, jointly move forward in the comprehensive promotion of socio-economic development and national revival of their countries in the name of forming a community of common destiny of mankind.
Thank you. I give you the floor.
M.Mishustin: Thank you, dear Mr. President Xi Jinping, I am very glad to meet you again.
Allow me to convey to you the warmest greetings and best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
The two summits that took place after your re–election as President of the People’s Republic of China – in March in Moscow and in October in Beijing – confirmed the importance of further strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China.
And before we move on to discussing issues of Russian-Chinese cooperation, I would like to express my deep condolences to you, dear Mr. Xi Jinping, in connection with the loss of life as a result of the devastating earthquake in Gansu and Qinghai provinces. I know that you are personally worried about this tragedy. According to the decision of Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, we are ready to help in the aftermath of the earthquake, if our Chinese friends need it. I ask you to convey my words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims.
The task of the Governments is to ensure the implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level. My colleague, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Li Qiang, and I checked our watches yesterday during the 28th regular meeting of the heads of government of Russia and China.
This year, trade and economic cooperation has coped with difficult challenges and reached a new level. The mutual trade turnover amounted to almost 18 trillion rubles, or 1.5 trillion Chinese yuan. You’ve already said that. We have completed the task that you and President Putin set for us.
It is important that we have almost completely switched to national currencies in mutual settlements – more than 90% of payments are made in rubles and yuan. Good results have been achieved in the investment sector, with 80 joint projects totaling almost 20 trillion rubles, or about 1.6 trillion yuan.
We value the strong cultural and humanitarian ties that unite Russia and China. The Years of physical education and sports have ended. The cross-Cultural Years will be held in 2024-2025.
The development of direct contacts between people, acquaintance with the rich history, culture and traditions will contribute to strengthening the centuries-old friendship between the Russian and Chinese peoples.
I would like to mention a significant date that is being celebrated in China these days – the 45th anniversary of the beginning of the policy of reform and openness. I sincerely congratulate you and the entire Chinese people on your great achievements in socio-economic development and in strengthening China’s authority in the international arena.
Dear Mr. Chairman, there is very little time left until the New Year, 2024. In Russia, they love this holiday very much and traditionally celebrate it with family, relatives, and friends. They sum up the results of the outgoing year and make bright plans for the future.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all your Chinese colleagues for their kind attitude and constructive cooperation. I am sure that new, even greater achievements await us in the coming year. According to the lunar calendar, this is the year of the Dragon, which is one of the symbols of China.
I wish you and all your Chinese friends good health and good luck in ten thousand cases. Wan shi zhu yi!
