In Brief: Remarks by Russian Presidential Aide in Talks with Chinese Foreign Minister

Nikolai Patrushev Stresses That Relations Between the Two Countries Have Withstood the Toughest Times

Beijing, October 12. /TASS/. According to the press service of the Maritime Board, Nikolai Patrushev, assistant to the President of Russia and head of the Russian Maritime Board, said in a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing that the expansion of natural resource extraction requires Russia and China to jointly protect maritime shipping.

He emphasized that the relations between the two countries have resisted in the most difficult times. According to Patrushev, Russia and China are capable of reshaping the global geo-economic map through joint efforts and more effective protection of global maritime trade from external threats.

Tass has compiled key statements from the presidential aide.

"The relations between Russia and China have proven their resilience in the most difficult times. Today, our task is to make these relations more multifaceted by adding a new maritime dimension. I am sure that through joint efforts, based on mutual trust and respect, we will be able to successfully open this new chapter of cooperation, as we have opened all previous partnerships and strengthen them as an example in the world." Patrushev said.

The growth of trade between Russia and China requires reliable transport corridors, including sea routes: "The expanding volume of trade between our countries requires reliable transport corridors, a significant part of which relies on sea routes. In addition, deep cooperation in energy. It requires flexible logistics chains."

Russia and China should cooperate to ensure the safety of ships: "The increasing development of resources, including in northern latitudes, requires joint efforts to ensure the safety of navigation."

Russia and China should combine their strengths and potential in maritime trade: "Russia has an extensive maritime border, developed port infrastructure and unique expertise in navigating the Northern Seas. Meanwhile, China has a strong shipbuilding and logistics sector, along with extensive experience in managing maritime trade. Today, the combination of these advantages is very important."

Our countries have everything necessary to succeed in this field: complementary capabilities, extensive experience in joint projects, and above all, mutual interest in results.

We attach great importance to the joint development of strategic logistics initiatives. China has been implementing its Maritime Silk Road concept for more than a decade. Meanwhile, Russia has launched the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor project, relying on its vast experience in polar navigation and exploitation of the North Sea route.

With the development of the transportation corridor between Russia's Arctic and China's Maritime Silk Road initiative, the two countries can change the global geo-economic map and better protect global maritime trade from external threats: "By advancing these initiatives, our countries are able to change the global geo-economic map and build sea trade that is cheaper, more accessible, and more protected against all risks - including military escalation, piracy, and sanctions.