Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday, ahead of his state visit to China, that relations between Russia and China have reached a "truly unprecedented level.

In a video message, he said that regular mutual visits and high-level talks are an important and integral part of the joint effort to develop all aspects of relations between the two countries and to utilize their "truly unlimited potential.

According to Putin, the special nature of Russian-Chinese relations is reflected in the atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust, in the commitment to pursue mutually beneficial and fair cooperation, to conduct a respectful dialogue, and to support each other on issues related to the key interests of both states, including the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Putin recalled that 25 years ago, Russia and China signed a Treaty on Good Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, which laid a solid foundation for truly strategic relations and comprehensive partnership to the benefit of both countries and their people.

According to him, Russia and China are actively expanding contacts in politics, economics, and other areas, while also deepening cultural exchange and promoting people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

"Together, we are doing everything to further deepen bilateral cooperation and support the comprehensive development of our countries," Putin said, adding that these topics will form the agenda of the upcoming talks in Beijing.

The Russian President also praised the long-standing efforts of Chinese President Xi Jinping to develop cooperation with Russia. "I am convinced that our warm and friendly relations allow us to create the most ambitious plans for the future and to successfully implement them," he added.

Trade between Russia and China continues to grow and has already exceeded $200 billion. Mutual payments are now almost entirely conducted in rubles and yuan.

Putin said that a number of important projects are underway in key areas of bilateral cooperation. Following the successful holding of the Russia-China Years of Culture, the Russia-China Years of Education were launched in January, representing the tenth joint humanitarian project of this kind.

He also emphasized that Russia highly values China's thousand-year history and its achievements in culture, art, and science. "We are interested in bringing our peoples closer together, further strengthening mutual understanding, and embracing all the positive aspects offered by the rich traditions and heritage of both countries," he said.

Putin also welcomed the introduction of a mutual visa-free regime, which, according to him, facilitates business and tourism contacts and opens up new opportunities for communication between the citizens of Russia and China.

According to Putin, the close strategic partnership between Russia and China plays a significant stabilizing role in the world. "Without forming an alliance against anyone, we strive for peace and universal prosperity," he stated.

In this spirit, Moscow and Beijing are coordinating efforts to uphold international law and the provisions of the UN Charter in their entirety and mutual interconnectedness.

"We actively support cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and other multilateral associations, and make a significant contribution to addressing pressing global and regional challenges," he said.

Putin expressed confidence that Russia and China will continue to do everything to deepen partnership and good neighborliness in the interests of the dynamic development of both countries, the prosperity of their people, and the preservation of global security and stability.

The Russian president will visit China from May 19th to 20th at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. CMG