China Putin at meeting with Li Qiang: They have worked out long-term plans
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has emphasized the close ties between Moscow and Beijing at a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. "Our countries have worked out long-term joint plans, both in the economic and humanitarian spheres," Putin was quoted as saying by the state agency Tass.
21.08.2024, 20:16
SDA
"Our trade relations are developing successfully," Putin also said, according to the Interfax agency. "The attention that both governments pay to economic and trade relations shows their results."
Prior to his meeting with Putin in the Kremlin, Li had held talks with the Russian head of government Mikhail Mishustin. "They signed a series of bilateral agreements aimed at improving our cooperation," said Putin, summarizing the outcome of this meeting. The main focus was on cooperation in the energy sector. Mishustin told his guest that Russia was already China's largest oil supplier. "In the near future, we will also take first place for natural gas," said Mishustin.
Putin last visited China in May. In their common antagonism towards the West, the two powers have come closer together in recent years and proclaimed a strategic partnership. Nevertheless, many observers believe that the economic superpower China has the upper hand in this alliance. For Russia, the role of raw materials supplier and junior partner remains.
