Russia and China Discuss Permanent Visa Waiver, Strengthening Ties
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held discussions on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, according to Sputnik News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency.
During the meeting, the Russian President stated that cooperation between Russia and China is successfully developing in all areas. He added that Moscow is prepared to cooperate with Beijing on permanently establishing a visa-free regime between the two countries, should China find it beneficial.
President Putin further noted that the visa-free system has contributed to a 43% increase in tourism flow between Russia and China in the first half of the year. He also highlighted that digital innovations, including artificial intelligence technologies, offer new opportunities for the economic development of both Russia and China.
The Russian leader emphasized that the partnership between Russia and China serves as a model for relations between nations and praised the active international engagement of both countries, noting their fundamentally aligned approaches to foreign policy matters.
For his part, the Chinese President affirmed that bilateral relations between China and Russia will be further strengthened. He underscored the significant role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in ensuring stability amid rapid global changes and increasing uncertainty.
The Kremlin issued a statement following the meeting in Bishkek, describing the talks between Putin and Xi Jinping as highly productive, according to Al Jazeera.
