RELATIONS between Russia and China have hit a “truly unprecedented level,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said today in a video address delivered ahead of his state visit to China.

He was due to arrive in China last night for a two-day state visit.

Mr Putin said “regular mutual visits and Russia-China top-level talks are an important and integral part of our joint efforts to promote the entire range of relations between our two countries and unlock their truly limitless potential.”

The Russian president described how the special nature of relations between the two neighbours “is reflected in the atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust, a commitment to pursuing win-win and equitable co-operation, conducting respectful dialogue and supporting each other on matters affecting the core interests of both countries, including protection of sovereignty and state unity.”

He said the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Co-operation, signed 25 years ago, helped to lay the solid foundation for “a genuinely strategic relationship and comprehensive partnership for the benefit of the two countries and two peoples.

“Together we are doing everything that can further deepen bilateral collaboration and advance the comprehensive development of our countries,” Mr Putin said.

He added that he deeply appreciated Chinese President Xi Jinping’s commitment to long-term co-operation with Russia. 

“I am convinced that our warm and friendly ties enable us to chart the boldest plans for the future and bring them to life,” he said.

Trade between the two nations has long passed the $200 billion (£150bn) mark and there are many major bilateral initiatives under way, with settlements now conducted almost entirely in roubles and yuan.

Mr Putin argued that the close strategic relationship between Russia and China played a major stabilising role globally.

“Without allying against anyone, we seek peace and universal prosperity,” he said.

“It is in this spirit that Moscow and Beijing act in a co-ordinated manner to defend international law and the provisions of the UN Charter in their entirety, completeness and interconnectedness.

“We support active co-operation through the United Nations, the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, Brics and other multilateral entities, making a substantial contribution to resolving pressing global and regional challenges.

“I am confident that, together, we will continue to do everything possible to deepen Russia-China partnership and good-neighbourliness for our two countries’ dynamic development and for the well-being of our peoples, in the interests of maintaining global security and stability.”