Putin: Russia and China to Support Each Other on Sovereignty, Economic Growth
Strengthening Russia-China Relations and Strategic Cooperation
Putin’s Statement on Mutual Support
TOKYO, May 19 (Reuters) - Russia and China are ready to support each other on a wide range of issues, including national unity and protection of sovereignty, President Vladimir Putin said in a video address ahead of a visit to China starting on Tuesday.
Unprecedented Level of Understanding and Trust
Relations between Russia and China have reached an 'unprecedented level' of mutual understanding and trust, Putin said as he prepared to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for talks on Wednesday.
Principles of Cooperation and Core Interests
The countries are ready to cooperate on mutually beneficial and equality-based principles and "to support each other on issues affecting the core interests of the two countries, including the protection of sovereignty and national unity", Putin said. He did not provide any further details.
Expanding Ties in Key Sectors
Russia and China are actively expanding ties in economy, politics and defence, he said, adding that "a close" and "strategic" connection between Moscow and Beijing was playing "a stabilizing role" in global relations.
Commitment to Peace and Prosperity
"We are not aligning against anyone, but working for the cause of peace and universal prosperity," Putin said.
(Reporting by Jekaterīna Golubkova in Tokyo; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Himani Sarkar)
