Xi meets with Russian Prime Minister Mishustin

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in the capital Moscow as part of his contacts with Russia. Stating that relations have entered a new era, Mishustin stated that last year, bilateral trade volume increased by one-third to nearly $190 billion and will increase even more this year. Meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the Russian government building, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his pleasure in being here. Stating that China and Russia are two "friendly countries," Xi said, "As the head of state, we chose to come to Russia first. This is in line with historical logic. Because we are the two largest neighboring states and also strategic partners." Xi, who also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday, said that he invited Putin to his country. “Russia-China relations have entered a new era” Russian Prime Minister Mishustin also congratulated Xi on his election as president for the third time and said, “It is important that you make your first visit abroad after being re-elected. This shows that Russia-China relations, which have entered a new era, are special.” Emphasizing that they are in favor of further developing relations with China in the future, Mishustin said, “Last year, bilateral trade volume increased by one-third, approaching 190 billion dollars. I am confident that this year, bilateral trade volume will reach the target set by you and Putin, namely 200 billion dollars.” Chinese President Xi held a tete-a-tete with Putin at the Kremlin Palace yesterday for nearly 4.5 hours.