President of Russia Vladimir Putin: President Xi, my dear friend. Chinese comrades, colleagues,
Allow me to start by cordially welcoming all of you to Vladivostok. We are delighted that you decided to attend the Eastern Economic Forum.
China came to Vladivostok with the most representative and the biggest delegation of almost one thousand people. This is understandable, given the scope of relations between our two countries, including that of trade. In fact, last year trade between Russia and China was equal to $87 billion, and will most likely exceed $100 billion this year. This amounts to an increase of more than 30 percent.
We have established trust-based relations on the political, security and defence tracks. We know that you personally attach great importance to promoting Russia-China relations. We maintain regular contacts. I am delighted to have this opportunity to welcome you to Russia.
President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping (retranslated): President Putin, my dear friend. Russian colleagues, ministers,
I am very pleased to come to Vladivostok at your invitation.
Allow me to start by thanking you for your kind invitation that provided me with yet another opportunity to visit this city. In fact, eight years ago I visited this city, when I served as Vice President of the People’s Republic of China.
Today, as I return back to this city, I cannot fail but to notice the enormous changes that took place here. This means that the city changed in significant ways under your leadership over the past eight years. It is also indicative of the major achievements made by the Russian state under your guidance. I sincerely congratulate you on this success.
I am also delighted to be attending the 4th Eastern Economic Forum. As you have just rightly pointed out, China has the biggest delegation at the forum. It shows the appeal of the forum itself, while also speaking volumes about the comprehensive cooperation between China and Russia to promote development in the Far East.
We have already met on a number of occasions this year, including in Beijing, in Johannesburg, and now here in Vladivostok. We maintain close contacts, which means that we have established close cooperation. I am looking forward to further exchanging views and better coordinating our efforts today, and in the future.
Once again, thank you very much for all your efforts to organise my visit to this city.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
<…>