Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the strong bilateral relationship with China as they met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. Both leaders see the SCO as a key alliance to counter US influence globally. Alongside Russia and China, the SCO includes Central Asian states, India, Iran, and Pakistan. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also attended the summit.
Key Quotes from the Leaders
Putin highlighted the positive state of Russian-Chinese relations, emphasizing cooperation without targeting any specific countries. Xi Jinping referred to Putin as an “old friend” and stressed the importance of continued friendship amidst global challenges.
Putin also held discussions with Turkish President Erdogan on potential solutions for the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Gaza Strip crisis, and Syria conflict. He also met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh during the summit.