Rus.-China Prime Minister Meeting: "Must Protect Interests Against Western Sanctions Pressure"

On the 21st (local time), the Prime Ministers of Russia and China held talks and agreed that both countries, facing Western sanctions, must protect their mutual interests together.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin began the 29th regular Russia-China Prime Ministerial Meeting at the Russian government building in Moscow, stating, "It is important that we focus our efforts on protecting our common interests, building a multipolar world order, and strengthening cooperation on international platforms."

He also emphasized, "We are facing a difficult situation where the West imposes illegal sanctions under unconvincing pretexts. The West is trying to maintain global dominance and suppress the economic and technological potential of Russia and China."

Chinese Premier Li Qiang responded, "The friendship between China and Russia has endured international upheavals and has a long history. Our friendship is strong, solid, and unshakable. It is our shared precious asset."

Premier Li noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, saying, "As our multifaceted cooperation has shown remarkable resilience, I am confident that the two countries will deepen their cooperation further."

Premier Li mentioned that the two countries are expanding energy cooperation, and Prime Minister Mishustin proposed utilizing the Arctic sea route to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.

Prime Minister Mishustin also mentioned plans to expand exchanges in the fields of space and artificial intelligence (AI), stating that combining Russia's scientific potential with China's production capacity can achieve great success.

After the talks, the two prime ministers signed an investment cooperation plan. They also signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in highly automated vehicle freight transport, maritime search and rescue, the chemical industry, and green construction sectors.

Premier Li, who has been visiting Russia for three days since the previous day, is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the same day. Russia and China have held annual regular prime ministerial meetings since 1996.