A Russian official expressed great anticipation for Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit, saying he hopes it will foster deeper cooperation between China and Russia and contribute to global stability and certainty.
Xi will pay a state visit to Russia from May 7-10 and attend celebrations in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation.
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Andrey Denisov, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of Xi's visit from the perspective of China-Russia relations and the international situation.
He pointed out that President Xi enjoys immense respect in Russia, stating that his attendance as a key guest at the celebrations not only reflects political decision-making but also resonates with the sentiments of the Russian people.
"President Xi Jinping is not only an exceptional political leader of today's world but also an extraordinary figure with remarkable personal charisma. He holds great esteem across Russian society. As a well-known and beloved friend of the Russian people, he has visited our country many times, so we are eagerly looking forward to his visit this time. President Xi will attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War as our distinguished guest. This is more than just a political decision; it also reflects the will of the Russian people," he said.
Denisov said that the state visit holds profound significance, not only in deepening bilateral cooperation but also in strengthening both countries' ability to address shared challenges.
"The visit of the President of the People's Republic of China carries multiple important meanings. In addition to attending the Victory Day celebrations, it includes a state visit. This will involve meetings and talks, the signing of cooperation agreements, and possible in-depth exchanges between the two leaders in a more intimate setting. Amidst the volatile international landscape, China and Russia face many similar challenges, making strategic communication between the two countries especially vital. Only by working together can we effectively address these challenges," he said.
He said he expects the visit to strengthen China-Russia ties and help bring more stability and certainty to the world.
"We look forward to this visit fostering deeper alignment between the two countries, based on the shared understanding of international situations and strategic positions. This will not only strengthen our ability to safeguard mutual interests but also inject more stability and certainty into the world," Denisov said.
Russian official expects Xi's visit to foster global stability, certainty
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
