XI: TRADE TURNOVER WITH RUSSIA EXCEEDS $ 200 BILLION ANNUALLY

BEIJING, MAY 20 /SRNA-RIA Novosti/ – Trade turnover between China and Russia has exceeded $ 200 billion annually for the third consecutive year, Chinese President Xi Jinping said.

In a joint address with Russian President Vladimir Putin following their talks, Xi pointed out that trade between Russia and China had increased by 20 percent since the beginning of the year despite difficult external conditions.

Xi described the talks with Putin as friendly and productive.

He stated that relations between China and Russia are being elevated to a new level and represent a model of relations between two major powers.

"Our countries, firmly guided by the spirit of mutual respect, equality, fairness and justice, as well as mutually beneficial cooperation, are making a significant contribution to the protection of international justice and the formation of a new type of international relations," Xi emphasized.

He stressed that Russia and China should serve as strategic pillars for one another and called for strengthening political trust between Moscow and Beijing, as well as opening new horizons in the development of bilateral relations.