31.01.2024 (13:25)
Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu holds talks with his Chinese counterpart
The Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu held teleconference with the Minister of National Defence of People's Republic of China Admiral Dong Jun.
The head of the Russian Defence Ministry noted that at the present stage, relations between Russia and China are experiencing the best period in their history. A key role in strengthening strategic ties is played by trusting contacts between our leaders - President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping. 'Last year, the heads of the states held two face-to-face meetings - in Moscow and Beijing. We aim at the unconditional implementation of all agreements reached, which form long-term goals in the field of national development and security. Coordination of our efforts has a stabilising effect on the international situation and contributes to the reduction of conflict potential,' said Sergei Shoigu.
During the talks, the Russian Defence Minister said that Russian-Chinese military relations are steadily developing in all areas.
'We regularly conduct joint operational and combat training activities on land, sea and in the air, successfully practise combat training tasks of various complexity,' said the head of the Russian military department.
He also emphasised that 'our actions are not directed against third countries. Unlike some Western states, we are not creating a military bloc'.
The Russian Defence Minister expressed confidence that the talks would serve to further strengthen the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership in the defence sphere.
'I count on the closest and most fruitful cooperation with you,' said Sergei Shoigu.
The Russian Defence Minister also congratulated his Chinese counterpart on his appointment as Minister of Defence of the People's Republic of China and wished him success in his responsible post in defending the homeland, strengthening its defence capability, and further modernisation of the People's Liberation Army of China.
'I am convinced that your experience of interaction with the Russian Armed Forces will contribute to further expansion of military cooperation between our countries,' said Sergei Shoigu.
In turn, Minister of Defence of the People's Republic of China Admiral Dong Jun said that in his new position, his talks with Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu were his first foreign-related working event.
'I recently became China's Minister of Defence. You were one of the first to send me a congratulatory message, which expressed a good desire to develop relations between the two countries and the two armies. Here I want to express my deep appreciation to you. This conference and talks are my first foreign affairs working event,' said Dong Jun.
'You have made a great contribution to the promotion and development of the commonwealth between Chinese and Russian armies, and enjoy high prestige in the Russian Armed Forces. I admire your courage in the rapidly changing international environment,' said the Chinese military commander, addressing his Russian counterpart.
He said the current 'meeting fully shows the deep friendship between the armies of China and Russia, the common aspirations to deepen strategic cooperation, maintain world peace, and it is of special significance.'
'We have given you our support about the Ukraine issue, even though the U.S. and Europe continue to pressurise the Chinese side. Even the defence cooperation between China and the European Union faced new challenges, but we will not change or abandon established policies because of this. And they should not and will not be able to hinder normal Russian-Chinese cooperation,' said the Chinese Defence Minister.
