Putin–Han Zheng Meeting: Greetings to a “Chinese Friend” and Review of Trade Cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng held a meeting on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. After participating in the forum’s plenary session, Putin welcomed Han Zheng and expressed gratitude to China for its representation at the vice-presidential level.

The Russian President said, “This has given the forum global significance. Please convey my best wishes to my friend, Chinese President Xi Jinping.”

He stated that relations between China and Russia are at their highest point and have gained solid momentum. Putin noted that trade and economic cooperation between the two countries has continued to move upward. According to him, trade growth stands at 10 percent, which he described as a positive result.

Putin said cooperation between the two countries includes joint projects in various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, logistics, innovation, civilian nuclear programmes, space research and artificial intelligence. He also praised China’s progress in the field of artificial intelligence.

The meeting also discussed marking 2026 and 2027 as the “Years of Russia–China Educational Cooperation.” Both leaders expressed confidence that this initiative would make an important contribution to expanding humanitarian ties.

Putin also recalled that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the basic treaty of friendship and cooperation between Russia and China, which was signed on July 16, 2000. The meeting conveyed a message of further strengthening Russia–China relations.