Mikhail Mishustin's meeting with Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang

The meeting took place as part of Mikhail Mishustin's working visit to China.

Excerpts from the transcript:

Li Qiang (via interpreter) : It is a great pleasure to meet with you and with our Russian colleagues here in Hangzhou. First and foremost, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you. Hangzhou is a city where I have spent many years working and living. As the popular Chinese saying goes, "Above, there is heaven; below, there is Hangzhou." This reflects both the beauty of the local scenery and the comfortable lifestyle the city offers - truly like a paradise on earth. In recent years, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, has made remarkable strides in scientific and technological innovation as well as in fostering new drivers of growth, and emerged as a new platform for China's high-level opening to the world. Holding our regular meeting here in Hangzhou offers a unique opportunity for you, Mr Prime Minister, my long-time friend, to gain deeper insight into China, while also providing a platform for us to explore greater opportunities for cooperation. This year marks the 80^th anniversary of the Chinese

People's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War, and our shared victory in World War II. Our nations have organised commemorative events which further strengthened the bond of friendship between us. Our leaders have already met twice this year as part of these events, steering the development of high-level China-Russia relations. Amidst drastic changes in the international landscape, China is ready to enhance strategic dialogue with Russian colleagues in line with the important agreements reached by our leaders. We aim to deepen cooperation across all areas in order to protect our mutual development and security interests more effectively. I am ready to exchange opinions with you on matters of shared interest. The floor is yours. Thank you.

Mikhail Mishustin: Mr Li Qiang, my dear friend, It is a great pleasure to meet with you again. I would like to express my gratitude to you and all our Chinese friends for the warm hospitality extended to our Russian delegation here in Hangzhou. This city has become a symbol of China's vast history and its advanced development in the 21^st century. Today, you spoke a lot about the region's history and the beauty of this wonderful lake, which we all admire. As the Chinese saying goes, "Above, there is heaven; below, there is Hangzhou." This is what members of the Chinese delegation shared with us. I would like to take this opportunity to convey the best wishes and greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Additionally, I want to congratulate you on the successful conclusion of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20^th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The session outlined the core directions for China's development for the next five years through 2030. We are confident that these plans will lead to China's further economic growth and improve the standard of living for its people.

Today, we are holding the 30^th anniversary meeting of the heads of government of Russia and China. This format ensures effective coordination between all executive authorities of our countries in the spirit of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction.

Relations between Russia and China have reached their highest level in the entire history of our centuries-long friendship and continue to develop dynamically across all spheres, despite various challenges and the illegal sanctions imposed by Western states.

This year marks the 80^th anniversary of our Great Victory over Nazi Germany and militarist Japan. The joint participation of President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping in the commemorative events in Moscow and Beijing serves as further confirmation of the genuine friendship between our nations.

Our governments are ensuring full implementation of all the objectives set by our leaders. By developing multifaceted cooperation, we are achieving a new level of mutual trade, diversifying its structure and creating favourable conditions for entrepreneurs in both the Russian and Chinese markets.

Particular focus is placed on expanding investment cooperation. On 1 December, the intergovernmental agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments, signed during the Russian-Chinese talks in Moscow on 8 May, will enter into force. The document will help launch new joint ventures with participation of Russian and Chinese investors, based on mutual benefit and respect for each other's interests.

Cooperation in the energy sector has acquired a truly strategic nature. Our Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who oversees this sphere, is present here today. This collaboration encompasses oil, gas, coal, and nuclear energy.

As regards industry (First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov is also here today), we are launching new joint enterprises and technological alliances.

As for the transport sector (our Minister of Transport is present here, too), we are increasing freight volumes, developing cross-border infrastructure, and opening new air routes.

Agricultural cooperation - our Minister Oksana Lut also participates in today's meeting - plays a major role in strengthening the food security of both Russia and China.

Obviously, our humanitarian ties are of particular significance; they help build a greater foundation for Russia-China relationship of good-neighbourliness and partnership. This area is coordinated by Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, who is present here as well. The Russian delegation also includes Deputy Prime Minister - Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, who is responsible for cultural cooperation. Also, we are closing the Cross Years of Culture, which have included hundreds of joint events. We value this legacy immensely and will pass on to future generations all the best things created by both our forefathers and ourselves.