UPDATE - China’s Xi calls for in-depth discussion on 'new, ambitious' plan for developing bilateral ties with Russia

UPDATES WITH STATEMENTS BY BOTH PRESIDENTS; REVISES HEADLINE, SPOT & LEDE; EDITS

By Berk Kutay Gokmen and Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for an in-depth discussion on a "new, ambitious" plan for developing bilateral ties with Moscow as he took part in an online meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

"On this symbolic day, I would be delighted to have an in-depth discussion with you about the joint development of a new, ambitious plan for the development of bilateral relations," Xi said during the meeting held via videoconference, which was broadcast by Russian state TV channel Rossiya-24.

Expressing that relations between China and Russia are entering a " new stage of development," Xi noted that this year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship, and the start of the China-Russia Year of Education.

"It is important to seize this historic opportunity, continuously deepen strategic cooperation, and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of major powers to ensure the continued development of Sino-Russian relations along the right trajectory," Xi expressed.

He also stated that their celebration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the “Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression” and the “World Anti-Fascist War” showed both countries' determination to "uphold the results of World War II and international justice."

"I am ready to exchange views with you on major strategic issues," Xi added.

For his part, Putin stated that the foreign policy tie between Moscow and Beijing remains an "important stabilizing factor" amid what he described as "growing global turbulence."

"We are prepared to continue the closest possible coordination on global and regional issues, both bilaterally and in all multilateral forums—the UN, BRICS, the SCO, and others—where the Russian-Chinese tandem plays a key role in many ways," Putin said.

He further called the bilateral cooperation between their countries "exemplary," saying he is confident in the strength and development of Russian-Chinese ties regardless of the current international situation.

Putin also stated Russia is China's leading supplier of energy resources and that their energy partnership is "mutually beneficial and truly strategic," adding that they are conducting active dialogue on peaceful nuclear energy and promoting high-tech projects, including in industry and space exploration.

"The introduction of a visa-free regime has undoubtedly contributed to the growth of business and humanitarian contacts. I am grateful to you for this initiative, which we readily supported," the Russian president added.

In September last year, China announced a visa-free regime for Russian citizens effective between Sept. 15, 2025 to Sept. 14, 2026.

Meanwhile, Putin signed a decree introducing visa-free entry into Russia for some categories of Chinese citizens for a period of up to 30 days in December.

The talks between Xi and Putin came amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran over the past few weeks.

Ties between the two neighbors have grown in recent years, with trade volume reaching around $220 billion last year.