China and Russia reach trade deals during summit

World Today

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev exchanges documents with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during a signing ceremony following their talks in St. Petersburg, Russia September 17, 2019. (Sputnik/Dmitry Astakhov/Pool via REUTERS)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who’s on a three-day trip to Russia, met Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday in Saint Petersburg.

The two heads of government discussed expanding mutual trade, energy, and scientific collaboration.

CGTN’s Aljosa Milenkovic reports.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev got together at the lavish Konstantinovsky Palace on the outskirts of Saint Petersburg.

It was a meeting that both sides were looking forward to.

Medvedev emphasized that Russia would like to see mutual trade with China reach $200 billion by the year 2024.

Li agreed and also stressed the importance of China and Russia relations to world stability.

“We are keen to maintain peace in the world for the sake of humanity’s development. Maintenance of long-term and deep connections between Russia and China contributes to not only our countries but to the whole world,” said Li Keqiang the Chinese Premier.

Reaching a new level of cooperation and collaboration was the key phrase repeated on Tuesday in their meeting. Li was optimistic the visit would “bear new fruits.”

Medvedev said the two countries aim to join forces in pursuing moon exploration and other aspects of the space program.

They’re also planning to expand bilateral relations in the energy sector and to diversify into high-tech industries.

“Our talks have confirmed that Russian-Chinese integral partnership and strategic cooperation reached a new level. We maintain a close dialogue; our active bilateral relations have a new dimension. It’s especially important this year when we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationships between our country and the Chinese People’s Republic,” Medvedev said.

Medvedev also mentioned that by the end of this year a gas pipeline that connects wells in eastern Siberia with consumers in China will become operational. He also confirmed that together with China, Russia would continue to work on the development of the gas fields in the Arctic.