Moscow-Beijing cooperation to further enhance SCO’s effectiveness: Russian premier

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Wednesday said that cooperation between his country and China will further enhance the effectiveness of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

“I am convinced that cooperation between Russia and China will further enhance the effectiveness of the SCO and will help us fully realize the significant economic potential of our organization,” Mishustin said during talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang, on the sidelines of a two-day SCO heads of government summit held in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad.

Extending congratulations to China on the 75th anniversary of the country’s foundation and the establishment of bilateral ties between Moscow and Beijing, Mishustin said cooperation between the two countries has acquired a “new quality and meaningful content.”

“We are multiplying the traditions of good neighborliness, friendship and strategic partnership and are confident in the future together,” Mishustin said.

He also said that both countries are strengthening their economic cooperation, including in terms of mutual trade volume and joint investment, despite external pressures.

Mishustin went on to say that their partnership in the energy sector has acquired a comprehensive strategic nature, adding that this covers the oil, gas, coal, and nuclear industries in particular.

For his part, Li reiterated the dynamic development of the Chinese-Russian partnership and strategic cooperation, saying that both countries support each other on issues related to their core interests.

“At a new historical start, we are ready to jointly implement the agreements at the highest level, strengthen strategic interaction, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, contribute to the development of our countries, as well as to the cause of peace and development throughout the world,” Li also said.