OMM Newsroom
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang discussed expanding cooperation across trade, agriculture, energy, technology and other sectors at a meeting in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, according to Anadolu Agency, citing a Kremlin statement.
Putin welcomed Li at the Konstantin Palace and asked him to convey his best wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He noted that the two presidents had met three times this year and could meet again at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen in November.
Putin said recent high-level talks had resulted in key agreements to develop strategic cooperation and a comprehensive partnership, with the two governments responsible for putting them into effect.
Putin highlights energy and agricultural cooperation
Earlier in the day, Li and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin held the 31st regular meeting between the heads of the Russian and Chinese governments. Putin said the mechanism, established 30 years ago, had proved effective and remained relevant.
“Relations between Russia and China are developing very successfully and dynamically,” Putin said, describing them as based on equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit and consideration for each other’s interests. He added that the relationship did not depend on the international situation and was not directed against anyone.
Russia and China would continue to expand practical cooperation in key sectors, Putin said, including energy, information technology, space exploration and civilian nuclear power. He also pointed to growing agricultural trade, saying turnover in agricultural products had risen by 34% in the first eight months of 2026.
Putin said humanitarian cooperation was also strengthening, citing events held as part of the cross-years of education between Russia and China. The initiative was officially launched in Beijing in May by the two presidents.
Li says closer ties can help stabilise the world
Li conveyed Xi’s greetings and best wishes to Putin, and said the visit was his third to Russia since becoming premier of China’s State Council. He said he had experienced the sincerity and friendship of the Russian people on each visit.
Against a backdrop of international turbulence and what he described as the rise of unilateralism and hegemonism, Li said close ties between Moscow and Beijing served as a stabilising factor in the world.
“China is ready to work with Russia, on the basis of the agreements reached at the highest level, to continuously deepen mutual trust and expand multifaceted, mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.
Li also expressed confidence in Russia’s development under Putin’s leadership and said China was ready to continue advancing relations and cooperation in line with plans outlined by the two presidents.
