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Conversation with member of the Political Bureau of the CCP Central Committee, Vice Premier of the China's State Council Ding Xuexiang

On the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin had a conversation with member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang.

June 20, 2025
20:50
St Petersburg

On the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister, Russian Co-Chair of the Russian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission on Investment Cooperation Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister, Russian Co-Chair of the Russian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission on Energy Cooperation Alexander Novak, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office - Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev, Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation Alexei Likhachev, and CEO, Chairman of the Management Board of Rosneft Oil Company Igor Sechin.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrade Ding Xuexiang, friends,

Allow me to welcome all of you here in Russia in this assembly.

I have already told Comrade Ding Xuexiang: of course, he is a high-ranking leader - a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau - but at the same time, he is Vice Premier of the State Council, and that entails concrete responsibilities. It invariably involves a substantial amount of day-to-day work. I would like to thank you for nevertheless finding it possible - of course, on the instructions of the President of the People's Republic of China [Xi Jinping] - but nonetheless finding it feasible to come, to step away from your current practical daily duties, to visit us, and to participate in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. I understand that this comes with a price, as there are always numerous urgent matters that require attention.

I would like to begin by saying that despite the challenges which are always there and are often created artificially, relations between Russia and the People's Republic of China continue to develop steadily and progressively across all areas. We have mentioned that many times, but I want to say it and emphasise it once again: Russia-China relations are undoubtedly a powerful international stability factor.

Today, during the plenary session, you noted that Russia-China relations have reached an unprecedentedly high level. That is true. This is the result of our joint efforts, including the efforts of the President of the People's Republic of China, our great friend. I spoke with him by telephone yesterday; I had the chance to personally wish him a happy birthday and convey my best wishes. Please pass on my best regards to him once again.

Our schedule for joint work has been drafted in full. It is my pleasure to accept the invitation of the President of the People's Republic of China and visit China to join in the celebrations of the end of World War II and victory over militarist Japan. I will also take part in the SCO summit.

Our economic ties are making great strides despite headwinds and have grown by another seven percent to a new high of US$245 billion which is a very strong number. I will not go into detail now as we will still have an opportunity to discuss everything later, including energy, high-tech industries, joint space exploration, and much more.

I am aware that you have not wasted any time these days and held a number of productive meetings. We - I was informed about this, too - will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to this work as well. I say it without exaggeration: a significant contribution to advancing Russian-Chinese relations in practical areas of cooperation.

Once again, I am very pleased to see you. Welcome!

To be continued.