Putin meets China's top diplomat, says ties important for international stability

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Wednesday China's top diplomat Wang Yi, and said that Russian-Chinese relations are important for maintaining global stability.

Speaking at a meeting with Wang in Moscow, the last stop of his tour to Europe since Feb. 14, Putin said international relations did not get better after the collapse of the bipolar system (collapse of the Soviet Union) but became more dangerous.

"In this regard, cooperation in the international arena between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation, as we have repeatedly stressed, is very important for the stabilization of the international situation," he said.

Putin asked Wang to convey his best regards to Chinese President Xi Jinping, and said the invitation for him to visit Russia remains effective. Both the presidents met in person in China ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics last year, and announced a “no limits” partnership.

He reminded that Russia and China set a goal of achieving $200 billion annual trade turnover by 2024, and the figure reached $185 billion last year. He added that trade volume is growing, and therefore there are reasons to expect the goal will be achieved earlier than planned.

Wang, for his part, said Chinese-Russian relations withstood pressure from the international community in a "very complex, volatile international situation," and the ties are developing steadily.

"The crises constantly appears, but in crises there are opportunities, and opportunities also turn into a crisis -- this is a historical experience," he said.

He urged Putin to make joint efforts to respond to the crises and use the opportunities to deepen cooperation.

"Our relations are not directed at third countries and, of course, are not subject to pressure from third parties, because we have a very strong foundation -- both from the economy, politics, and culture," he stressed.

Earlier, Wang, the former Chinese foreign minister and currently director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, also met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Wang’s high-profile visit comes just days before the first anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine, which started on Feb. 24 last year.

Beijing has not directly supported Russia’s "special military operation," but has condemned the West’s sanctions on Moscow.