Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday for the success of his Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
During his second-known international trip since the beginning of the Ukraine War, Putin thanked the Chinese leader for inviting him to the forum, which celebrated the project’s 10-year anniversary, and said that Russia could play an important role in China’s efforts to revive the ancient Silk Road.
On Russia-China Ties
Touting the two countries’ strengthening relationship, Putin said that “like most countries of the world,” Russia and China “share the desire for equal, mutually beneficial cooperation in order to achieve universal sustainable and long-term economic progress and social well-being,” while simultaneously “respecting the diversity of civilisation and the right of each State to its own development model.”
The comment appeared to be a veiled jab at the West, who both countries have often accused of encroaching on a sovereign state’s right to choose its own development path.
Furthermore, Putin referred to the Chinese leader as his “dear friend” and showered praise on the BRI for bringing the world closer together.
Hear Putin's insights into China's BRI and a multipolar world as he lands in Beijing for 3rd forum
— Zhang Heqing (@zhang_heqing) October 17, 2023
In an exclusive interview with China Media Group recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has shown China's desire to boost win-win… pic.twitter.com/Jh65ttSnzK
On Northern Sea Route
In addition, Putin invited countries to invest in the Northern Sea route, which he said could further trade ties between the East and West.
The Russian leader noted that the BRI fit well with Russia’s developmental goals, including transport infrastructure to encompass the world’s largest country, from the Northern Sea Route, which runs from Murmansk near Russia’s border with Norway, eastwards to the Bering Strait near Alaska.
“As for the Northern Sea Route, Russia does not just offer its partners to actively use its transit potential, I will say more: we invite interested states to participate directly in its development, and we are ready to provide reliable ice breaker navigation, communication and supply,” the Russian president said.
He further announced that, from 2024, “navigation for ice-class cargo ships along the entire length of the Northern Sea Route will become year-round.”
Notably, shortly before Putin’s address, several European delegates, including former French PM Jean-Pierre Raffarin, walked out of the room, a Reuters witness said.