26.04.2024 (12:45)
Russian Defence Minister meets with Chinese Defence Minister
Moscow-Beijing military interaction, joint operational and combat training of the servicemen of the two countries make a significant contribution to the maintenance of global and regional stability according to Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
'Russian-Chinese military cooperation is an important element in enhancing defence capabilities and maintaining global and regional stability. Joint operational and combat training is conducted regularly on the ground, in the sea and in the air, and training and combat missions are successfully practised at varying degrees of complexity,' said Shoigu during a working meeting with Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun on Friday.
The talks took place within the meeting of the Ministers of Defence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member countries in Astana.
During the meeting, Sergei Shoigu noted that the 'military and political situation in the world is not getting more peaceful'.
'New hotbeds are emerging and old ones of tension are escalating. In fact, it is the result of geopolitical initiatives, the selfish neo-colonial actions of the West.
According to Sergei Shoigu assessment, 'a Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction are being regularly developed in a contrast with the general disturbing situation'.
Russia's friendly relations with China, said Sergei Shoigu 'retain high dynamics of development, expand in all directions and are at an unprecedented level'.
The Russian Defence Minister noted that the trust relationships between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are key in strengthening strategic ties.
'We are on track to implement all the agreements reached at the summit level', said the Russian Defence Minister. He noted that the approaches of the two countries 'to the issues of principle of the modern world order and current international problems are the same or close to each other'.
'Russia and China are showing by example a new model of interstate ties. It is based on equitable, trusting dialogue, consideration of mutual underlying interests', stressed the Russian Defence Minister.
Talking to the counterpart, Sergei Shoigu said that he was looking forward to the closest and most successful cooperation.
'I am confident,' said Sergei Shoigu, 'that today's talks will serve to further strengthen the Russia–China strategic partnership in the defence sphere.'
In turn, Chinese Defence Minister Dong-jung said that the interaction between the armed forces of China and Russia plays a stabilising role in world processes.
'In a changing international situation, it is especially important that the relationship between our armed forces maintain high dynamics, meeting the today's tendencies. Our interaction is important for the global strategic stability,' said Dong Jun in talks with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Astana on Friday.
The Minister of National Defense People's Republic of China noted that due to time and location constraints, he would like to discuss 'the most important matters of principle' with his Russian counterpart.
This is the first personal meeting between Shoigu and Dong Jun since the latter was appointed the head of the Chinese military department. On 31 March, their talks were held by videoconference and took place at the initiative of the Chinese side.
