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Russia, China to boost defense cooperation

The Russian defense minister praises cooperation with China

© Vitaly Nevar/TASS

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. The Russian Defense Ministry intends to further develop relations with the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, Russian Defense Minister, General of the Army Sergey Shoigu said at a meeting with Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia.

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Shoigu noted that comprehensive extension of strategic cooperation with China is absolute priority for Russia’s foreign policy. In light of this, he reiterated that the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two countries was celebrated last year. "Highly confidential relations between the Russian and Chinese state leaders play a very important role in bilateral ties. Russian President Vladimir Putin participated as the main guest in the Belt and Road Forum that was held in Beijing in May, in July China’s President Xi Jinping visited Russia, and in November the leaders held substantial talks on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Da Nang," the defense minister noted.

He stressed that Russia is closely monitoring the implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level. "We intend to further develop relations between our defense ministries in all areas. I am confident that today’s meeting will help it," Shoigu concluded.

For his part, the Chinese official also noted development of Russian-Chinese cooperation and expressed hope that good personal, working and friendly relations will be established in the future.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Zhang Youxia on Thursday. The head of state assured Zhang Youxia that strategic partnership with China remains a major area in the Russian foreign policy.

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