Putin and Xi Jinping Hold Kremlin Talks, Announce New Energy and Trade Initiatives

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at the Kremlin on Thursday for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking his third engagement with the Russian leader this year. The visit coincides with commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, with Xi set to attend the May 9 Victory Day parade as the chief guest.

According to the Kremlin, the two leaders held both a private meeting and expanded discussions with their respective delegations. Key topics included the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the state of Russia-US relations, and deepening economic cooperation.

President Putin emphasized that Russian-Chinese ties have become a “most important stabilizing factor in the international arena,” and pledged continued collaboration for the mutual benefit of both nations. He highlighted energy as the driving force behind the bilateral relationship and announced new joint energy initiatives. Russia also committed to increasing the export of agricultural products to China.

Notably, Putin revealed that Russia is now the leading importer of Chinese cars, a sign of shifting trade dynamics amid Western sanctions. The two sides concluded an agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments, signaling a further deepening of their economic partnership.