Official website of the President of Russia

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

I would now like to welcome you to Vladivostok, now in an expanded format.

Only a short while ago my close friend President Xi Jinping and I discussed the development of Russian-Chinese relations in a narrow format. We have touched upon almost all spheres of our cooperation: the economy, the social field, humanitarian ties, and military and technical cooperation. Now we have a chance to talk in an expanded format.

We have noted a large increase in trade and the interest of partners from both sides in developing scientific and technical ties. This is very important, prospective and is designed to last for decades.

Now we have a chance to listen to our colleagues, discuss everything and draft plans for the next steps in our cooperation. Please.

President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping (retranslated): President Putin,

Once again I would like to thank you for your kind invitation, and I would like to thank our Russian friends for the warm welcome. Mutual support in the organisation of large and important events has already become a good tradition of ours.

We know that the Eastern Economic Forum is held at your personal initiative, Mr President. Its scale and reputation are growing, and the forum has already become an important platform to discuss key cooperation matters; it makes a significant contribution in promoting the development of the Russian Far East and cooperation in our region. I am confident that this forum will be a complete success with its meticulous organisation.

China and Russia share rivers and mountains, and our friendship is constantly getting stronger.

The Ocean Russian Children’s Centre in Vladivostok once took in over 900 Chinese children who suffered in an earthquake. This recreation helped the youngsters overcome psychological traumas left after this catastrophe.

We say in China: a friend in need is a friend indeed. I know that Russia also has such a saying: prosperity makes friends and adversity tries them. This defines the sincere friendship between our people and the value of Chinese-Russian relations.

Together with our Russian colleagues we will make every effort possible to strengthen our traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation to make our relations reach a new level for the prosperity of both our peoples.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much, Mr President.

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