Sino-Russian military cooperation helps strengthen strategic relations, says Putin.
The Russian president welcomed the comprehensive and successful cooperation between Moscow and Beijing in the defense sphere.
TASS - Military cooperation between Russia and China helps strengthen strategic and trust-based relations between the two countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday (16) at a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu.
He praised the comprehensive and successful cooperation between Moscow and Beijing in the defense sphere. "I think this is another important area, which strengthens the strategic and trust-based character of our relations, the relations between Russia and China," Putin said.
The Kremlin chief praised Sino-Russian military cooperation, noting that the defense ministries of Russia and China exchange useful information and conduct joint exercises, and recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Russia in March, when cooperation between the defense ministries was among the topics discussed.
He noted that the Chinese Defense Minister "has a very rich work program" in Russia. "We are happy to see him. I am sure his visit will be conducted at the highest possible level. Welcome to Russia!" Putin said.
The meeting at the Kremlin was also attended by the Russian Defense Minister, Sergey Shoigu.
Li Shangfu has been on his first overseas visit as Defense Minister to Russia since last Friday and will remain until next Tuesday (18). In his talks in Moscow, the Chinese minister maintains understandings on the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in the defense sphere, as well as current issues of global and regional security.