China, Russia should pave 'correct' direction of global governance reform: Xi

By Riyaz ul Khaliq and Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – China's President Xi Jinping on Monday said Beijing and Moscow should “guide correct direction of global governance reform.”

Xi was referring to participation by China and Russia in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS during a meeting with visiting Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko.

China and Russia should “protect the common interests of emerging markets and developing countries,” he added.

“Developing China-Russia relations is a strategic choice made by both countries based on their own national and people's fundamental interests,” Xi told Matvienko, according to Beijing-based Global Times.

“China is ready to continue to work with Russia to develop a new era of comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership that is mutually supportive, deeply integrated, pioneering and innovative, and mutually beneficial to help rejuvenate the two countries and promote a prosperous, stable, fair and just world,” said Xi.

In conversation with reporters after her meeting with Xi, Matvienko said: “Russia and China will not allow anyone to talk from a position of strength and threats.”

“China, as a very responsible, serious state, never adapts to anyone, and Russian-Chinese relations are not subject to external political influence,” a statement released on Federation Council Telegram channel quoted Matvienko as saying.

She said China “will consistently and persistently continue cooperation with the Russian Federation, maintain the friendship that exists between countries and peoples.”

“Russia, represented by China, can count on a firm, reliable, friendly shoulder,” said the federation council chairwoman.

Pointing to growing bilateral trade, Matvienko said: “We stand together for equal cooperation. We stand together for the prevention of interference in internal affairs, for the right of each country to determine its own path and choice in its development.”