Meeting with Premier of the State Council of China Li Qiang

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Li Qiang,

I am delighted to meet with you again in Moscow.

We have just held a meeting with the participants of the Council of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states and discussed development prospects for this important and influential international platform.

Russia and China's close cooperation within this format contributes to the SCO's emergence as a pillar of the multipolar world order, the involvement of the Global South countries in its activities, and the formation of an open and non-discriminatory international trading system. I believe that this year's meeting of the SCO Council of the Heads of Government seamlessly complemented the efforts of our Chinese friends during their presidency, which successfully concluded with the summit in Tianjin.

I fondly recall my visit to that wonderful, modern, and beautiful Chinese city, as well as my in-depth discussions with my friend, President Xi Jinping, both in Tianjin and later in Beijing during the celebrations marking the 80^th anniversary of China's victory over militarist Japan and the end of World War II.

Please, convey my warmest greetings and best wishes to the President of the People's Republic of China.

The comprehensive Russian-Chinese relations of partnership and strategic interaction, having entered a new era, are truly experiencing the best period in their history. They are built upon the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and mutual support on issues affecting each other's core interests, and are not directed against anyone.

The 30^th session in the format of regular meetings between Russian and Chinese heads of government was recently held in Hangzhou and was very productive. Immediately upon his return, Mr Mishustin reported to me about the results of his detailed talks with you, as well as his meeting with President Xi Jinping. I am pleased to note that our governments, ministries, and agencies are working in close coordination to implement the full range of practical agreements reached at the highest level.

We highly appreciate your personal efforts, Mr Premier, and your personal contribution to this work.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our Chinese colleagues on the successful conclusion of the Fourth plenary session of the 20^th CPC Central Committee, which set forth the main guidelines for China's development in the next five years, to 2030. We are confident that all the goals set will be fully achieved. We know - and I personally know this well from my work with President Xi Jinping - that everything he sets out to accomplish is implemented.

To be continued.