Putin made a video message on the eve of his visit to China. Main statements

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a video message on the eve of his visit to China. The Head of State pointed to active cooperation with China in various fields, noted the growth of trade turnover between the two countries, and also stressed the importance of involving Russian and Chinese citizens in rapprochement through the study of culture and art. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

The unprecedented level of relations with China

Relations between Russia and China have reached an unprecedented level of development, the president said.

"Currently, Russian-Chinese relations have reached a truly unprecedented level. Their special character is manifested in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust, willingness to cooperate on a mutually beneficial and equal basis, and to conduct a respectful dialogue," he said.

Putin also noted that he appreciates Chinese President Xi Jinping's commitment to a long-term partnership with Russia and called him a "long-time good friend."

"I sincerely appreciate President Xi Jinping's commitment to long—term cooperation with Russia," he said in a video message.

On measures contributing to the rapprochement of the two States

The Russian leader said that the mutual visa-free regime between Russia and China will help the two countries to actively develop business and tourist exchanges, as well as establish contacts between citizens.

The President also noted that the states are rapidly expanding humanitarian and political cooperation, economic development, strengthening defense capabilities, cultural exchanges and stimulating contacts between citizens.

On the continued growth of trade turnover between Russia and China

The Russian-Chinese trade turnover continues to grow, the head of state noted. Mutual settlements between Russia and China are almost entirely conducted in rubles and yuan. Putin noted that the countries are implementing major initiatives in the most important areas of cooperation.

The Head of State recalled that after the successful holding of the cross-cultural years, the Russian-Chinese years of cooperation in the field of education started in January.

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Attention was also focused on the close strategic cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, which plays an important stabilizing role on the world stage.

"We are not friends against anyone, but we are working for peace and universal prosperity," Putin said in a video message ahead of his visit to China.

The President stressed that the countries make a significant contribution to solving urgent global and regional problems. He expressed confidence that the parties will continue to deepen partnership and good neighborliness for the sake of development, well-being of peoples, as well as maintaining global security and stability.

In addition, the head of state pointed out the importance of deepening relations and the comprehensive development of Russia and China, which will form the agenda of the talks in Beijing. According to him, Moscow and Beijing are jointly doing everything that contributes to the deepening of bilateral cooperation and "the cause of the comprehensive development of states."