ASIATODAY.ID, MOSCOW – Cooperation between Russia and China is stable and predictable despite the complicated global environment and associated challenges, Zhang Hanhui, China’s ambassador to Moscow, has said.
Speaking on Thursday at a panel discussion on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), the envoy emphasized that China-Russia relations have reached the “highest point of their development” amid “turbulent times.”
“Our relationship is very close, based on mutual respect and frankness, it is a model of international relations for the whole world,” Zhang stated, adding that the two nations will continue to expand cooperation.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Beijing.
Zhang said China is Russia’s “main trade and economic partner,” supplying consumer electronics, mechanical engineering, cars, and so on. Russian products, including chocolate, ice cream and other food products, are also being supplied on the Chinese market.
Mutual trade turnover has been soaring, exceeding a $240 billion target ahead of schedule, he said.
Zhang recalled that a special economic platform has been established to boost trade and encourage Chinese enterprises and companies to invest in Russia and vice versa.
Held in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin from May 17-21, the 8th Expo was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The annual event serves as a major platform for economic partnership, promoting business opportunities, investment, and technology exchange.
Zhang added that despite “certain difficulties,” both sides intend to continue strengthening ties.
“We should find all the potential opportunities, and in every possible way facilitate their development,” the Chinese envoy concluded.
Multipolar world order could ensure global stability
The developed countries of the Global North are not in a position to effectively counter the challenges faced by the world economy, according to the head of the BRICS Bank, who sees a solution in the development of a multipolar order.
Dilma Rousseff, the chair of the New Development Bank and former president of Brazil, made the remarks on Thursday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), which kicked off this week.
“The so-called developed countries or, as they are also called, the Global North, without a doubt, are not capable of providing solutions to persistent problems that the world faces at the moment,” Rousseff said.
“For this, we need a multipolar economy with new centers which could help withstand global shocks and crises. It is able to reduce the risk of global economic instability caused by problems in large economies,” the NDB president argued.
The NDB was established in 2014 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa with the aim of providing funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. The bank formally opened for business in 2015, and was later joined by Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Uruguay. Saudi Arabia is also in talks to become a member.
Last August, Rousseff said that the NDB was considering applications for membership from nearly 15 countries. The bank sees the diversification of its geographic representation as one of its top priorities, according to Rousseff. She also revealed at the time that the NDB was planning to start lending in the currencies of South Africa and Brazil in an attempt to further reduce reliance on the US dollar, as the lender actively promotes a more multipolar international financial system. (RT/AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel