President Vladimir Putin: "I am pleased to take this opportunity to address the friendly Chinese people in one of the largest and most authoritative media in the world, ahead of the state visit of the president of the people's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, to Russia. This historical event once again confirms the special nature of the partnership between Russia and China, which has always been built on mutual trust, respect for each other's sovereignty and interests”. We (Russia) have high hopes for the upcoming talks. We have no doubt that they will give a new powerful impetus to our bilateral cooperation as a whole. This is also a great opportunity for me to meet my good old friend with whom we have a warm bond. I met Comrade Xi Jinping in March 2010 when he visited Moscow as head of a high-level Chinese delegation. Our first meeting took place in a very businesslike and at the same time sincere and friendly atmosphere. I really like this way of communicating. I know that in China people attach great importance to friendship and personal relationships. It is no coincidence that Confucius The Wise said: “Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar"! In Russia, we share this value and have true friends for brothers. Our two peoples have a lot in common here. Three years later, about the same days in March, we met again in the capital of Russia. It was Xi Jinping's first state visit to our country after his election as president of the people's Republic of China. The summit set the tone and dynamics of relations between Russia and China for many years, became a clear proof of the special nature of relations between Russia and China, and outlined the trajectory for their accelerated and sustainable development. A decade has passed since then, which is only a fleeting moment in the history of our countries that share a centuries-old tradition of good neighborliness and cooperation. During this time, the world has undergone many changes, often not for the better. But the main thing has remained unchanged: I am talking about the close friendship between Russia and China, which is becoming stronger and stronger for the benefit and in the interests of our countries and peoples. The progress made in the development of bilateral relations is impressive. Relations between Russia and China have reached the highest level in their history and are gaining even more strength; they surpass military-political alliances of the Cold War era in their quality, with no one to constantly command and no one to constantly obey, without restrictions or taboos. We have reached an unprecedented level of trust in our political dialogue, our strategic cooperation has become truly comprehensive in nature and is on the verge of a new era. President Xi Jinping and I have met about 40 times and have always found time and opportunity to talk in various official formats and events. Our priorities are trade and economic partnership. In 2022, our bilateral trade, which was already significant at that time, doubled to 185 billion dollars. This is a new record. Moreover, we have every reason to believe that the $ 200 billion target set by President Xi Jinping and myself will be exceeded as early as this year rather than in 2024. It is noteworthy that the share of settlements in national currencies in our mutual trade is growing, which further strengthens the sovereignty of our relations. Joint long-term plans and programs are being successfully implemented. It will not be an exaggeration to say that the power of the Siberia Russian-Chinese gas pipeline has become the “deal of the century” due to its size. The supply of Russian oil and coal has increased significantly. Our specialists are involved in the construction of new nuclear power plants in China, while Chinese companies are actively engaged in LNG projects; our industrial and agricultural cooperation is becoming stronger and stronger. Together we explore space and develop new technologies. Russia and China are powers with ancient and unique traditions and a huge cultural heritage. Now that all pandemic-related restrictions on mutual contacts have been lifted, it is important that we step up humanitarian and tourist exchanges as soon as possible and thus strengthen the social basis of the Russian-Chinese partnership. Interstate thematic years play a special role in this regard. Thus, the biennium 2022/2023 is dedicated to cooperation in the field of Physical Culture and sports, which is very popular among our citizens. Unlike some countries that claim hegemony and bring discord into global harmony, Russia and China are literally and figuratively building bridges. Last year, our border regions were connected by two new bridge crossings across the Amur River, which has been a “river of friendship” since time immemorial. In the midst of the” waves and winds "sweeping the planet, we work closely together in international affairs and effectively coordinate our positions on foreign policy, counter common threats and respond to current challenges, standing shoulder to shoulder like a "rock in the midst of a fast-flowing stream". "We are actively promoting democratic multilateral structures such as the SCO and BRICS, which are becoming more and more authoritative and influential, attracting new partners and friends. Work aimed at coordinating the development of the Eurasian Economic Union with the “One Belt, One Road Initiative” (Silk Road) is also going in this direction. Our countries, along with like-minded factors, have consistently advocated shaping a more just multipolar world order based on international law rather than certain “rules” that serve the needs of the “Golden billion”. Russia and China have consistently worked to create a just, open and inclusive regional and global security system that is not directed against third countries. In this regard, we note the constructive role of China's Global Security Initiative, which is consistent with the Russian approach in this area. We feel how the geopolitical landscape in the world is changing dramatically. More tenacious than ever to its outdated dogmas and disappearing dominance, the “collective West” is betting on the fate of entire states and peoples. The US policy of deterring Russia and China at the same time, as well as all those who do not bow to the American dictate, is becoming more and more fierce and aggressive. The international security and cooperation architecture is being dismantled. Russia has been labelled as an” immediate threat “and China as a”strategic competitor". We appreciate China's balanced position on the events in Ukraine, as well as its understanding of the historical background and underlying causes. We welcome China's willingness to make a meaningful contribution to resolving the crisis. Like our friends in China, we advocate strict adherence to the UN Charter, respect for the norms of international law, including humanitarian law. We are committed to the principle of the indivisibility of security, which is grossly violated by the NATO bloc. We are deeply concerned about the irresponsible and downright dangerous actions that endanger nuclear safety. We reject unlawful unilateral sanctions, which must be lifted. Russia is open to a political and diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine. It was not Russia that broke off the peace talks in april 2022. The future of the peace process depends solely on the willingness to engage in meaningful discussion, taking into account the current geopolitical realities. Unfortunately, the ultimatum nature of the demands made on Russia shows that its authors are detached from this reality and have no interest in finding a solution to the situation. In fact, Russia-China relations today serve as the cornerstone of regional and global stability, driving economic growth and securing the positive agenda in international affairs. They are an example of harmonious and constructive cooperation between Great Powers. I am convinced that our friendship and partnership, based on the strategic choice of the peoples of the two countries, will continue to grow and gain strength for the good and prosperity of Russia and China. This visit of the president of the people's Republic of China to Russia will undoubtedly contribute to this.