Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the close ties between Moscow and Beijing during a meeting Wednesday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, which was preceded by the signing of bilateral agreements in the energy sector.
“Our countries have developed joint long-term plans, both in economic and humanitarian terms,” Putin said, as quoted by state agency TASS.
“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.”
Before meeting Putin, Li held talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Putin said Mishustin and Li “signed a series of bilateral agreements aimed at improving our cooperation” with an emphasis on energy.
Mishustin said Russia was already China’s largest oil supplier and “in the near future we will also take the first place when it comes to natural gas.”
Putin last visited China in May. The two countries share an antagonism toward the West and have grown closer in recent years, announcing a strategic partnership.
However, many observers believe that economic powerhouse China has the upper hand in this alliance, giving Russia the role of raw material supplier and junior partner.
