Chinese President Xi Jinping carried out a second day of bilateral meetings in the margins of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) on October 18.
He met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at noon, Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria in the afternoon, and Kenyan President William Ruto, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Argentine President Alberto Fernandez in the evening.
President Xi told President Putin that his attendance at the BRF for the third time in a row demonstrates Russia’s support for the Belt and Road cooperation. Russia is an important partner of China in Belt and Road international cooperation. Major infrastructure projects including the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline are up and running, delivering tangible benefits to the two peoples. China will work with Russia and other members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) to forge stronger synergy between the Belt and Road cooperation and the EEU, and carry out regional cooperation at a higher level and greater depths. President Xi expressed his hope for early substantive progress in the China-Mongolia-Russia natural gas pipeline, successful Great Tea Way cross-border tourism cooperation, and the building of the China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor as a road for high-quality interconnected development.
He stressed that developing the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination with ever-lasting good neighbourliness and mutually beneficial cooperation is not a matter of expediency, but a long-term commitment. Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. China stands ready to work with Russia to continue adding new dimensions to their practical cooperation with a keen grasp of the trend of the times and bearing in mind the fundamental interests of the two peoples. China supports the people of Russia in following their choice of path to national rejuvenation and in safeguarding sovereignty, security and the development interests of the country.
President Xi pointed out that the recent historic expansion of BRICS membership has shown the confidence of developing countries in pursuing a multi-polar world and making international relations more democratic. China supports Russia in hosting the BRICS Summit in Kazan next year. China is ready to work with Russia to step up communication and coordination within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the G20 and other multilateral frameworks, play a greater role in ensuring food security, energy security and stable global industrial and supply chains, and uphold the shared interests of the two countries, the region and the developing world.
President Putin said that Russia is ready to work with China to enhance communication and coordination in BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, defend the international system based on international law and promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system.
The two heads of state also had in-depth exchange of views on the Palestinian-Israeli situation.
Meeting Nigerian Vice President Shettima, Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 10th anniversary of his proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative and his proposal of the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith as part of China’s Africa policy. There have been many highlights in the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Nigeria. Many cooperation projects, including railways, ports, power stations and communications backbone networks have been completed in succession, and remarkable achievements have been made in the development of free trade areas. China is ready to continue working with Nigeria to push for more tangible outcomes of China-Nigeria and China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation and help Nigeria and Africa realise industrialisation and agricultural modernisation. China supports Nigeria in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and would like to strengthen strategic coordination with Nigeria to promote democracy in international relations and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
Kashim Shettima noted that Nigeria and China are good friends who have shared weal and woe and supported each other in times of difficulties. China has always treated Nigeria and other African countries with respect and as equals; it has never bossed them around, and has done its best to support the African people in seeking independence and development. He thanked China for proposing a series of important global cooperation initiatives for developing countries, providing valuable assistance for Nigeria’s development, and boosting the industrialisation process of Nigeria and Africa at large.
At his meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto, Xi pointed out that China and Kenya have a long history of friendship. Over the past 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have treated each other as equals and supported each other, and have become good friends of mutual trust and good partners for win-win cooperation. In recent years, China and Kenya have cooperated in the implementation of a large number of projects under the Belt and Road Initiative such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway and the oil terminal at Mombasa Port, delivering fruitful results in Kenya, and giving the people of the two countries a greater sense of gains. China approaches its relationship with Kenya from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is ready to work with Kenya to promote the continued development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Kenya, he added, is welcome to make full use of trade promotion initiatives and platforms such as the “green channel” for African agricultural product exports to China, share in China’s market and the dividends of China’s opening up, and increase the export of high-quality products with Kenyan features to China.
President Ruto said that over the past 60 years since Kenya and China established diplomatic relations, the two sides have always trusted and respected each other. Kenya has benefited greatly from cooperation with China, especially since President Xi Jinping put forward the Belt and Road Initiative. Important projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway have greatly enhanced Kenya’s economic development capacity and improved the well-being of its people. Ruto expressed his confidence that the eight major steps proposed by President Xi Jinping for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation will further help Kenya and Africa achieve industrialisation, agricultural modernisation and economic integration.
Meeting with UN Secretary-General Guterres, Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past ten years since the Belt and Road Initiative was put forward, a lot of tangible results have been achieved, demonstrating the BRI’s thriving vitality. Actions, the Chinese leader pointedly noted, speak louder than words.
Guterres said that developing countries are in a vulnerable and disadvantaged position when it comes to infrastructure development, investment and financing. The international financial system can no longer reflect the political and economic realities of the world today and is in urgent need of reform. The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping has provided a crucial and effective way to help developing countries achieve sustainable development and has set a good example of South-South cooperation. The eight major steps announced by President Xi Jinping at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation are fully in line with the purposes and principles of the United Nations, and can help developing countries to accelerate development.
Meeting Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, the Chinese leader noted that both China and Argentina are important developing countries, shouldering the historical mission of promoting national development and revitalization, meeting people’s aspirations for a better life, and upholding international fairness and justice. China is ready to work with Argentina to enhance the synergy of strategies, promote sustained and stable development of bilateral relations, and set a fine example of solidarity and cooperation between Global South countries. China supports Argentina’s efforts in maintaining economic and financial stability, and is ready to share development opportunities and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Argentina, and deepen practical bilateral cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure and other areas.
Xi Jinping congratulated Argentina on joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism upon invitation, noting that China and Argentina need to strengthen strategic coordination within the frameworks of the United Nations, the Group of 20 and the BRICS, promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative, and advance the building of a global community with a shared future for humanity.
Fernandez said that a friend in need is a friend indeed. Over the past few years, when the country was faced with difficulties, be it the COVID-19 pandemic, severe droughts and natural disasters, or financial and economic woes, China always extended a precious helping hand to the Argentine people. Argentina has been deeply touched by and will never forget this. Fernandez called China a true friend of Argentina, and noted that President Xi Jinping’s important initiatives such as jointly building the Belt and Road and building a global community with a shared future for humanity have shown the way forward for the world, created important opportunities for developing countries, and played an irreplaceable role in promoting world peace, fairness, and sustainable development. Argentina fully agrees with and actively supports these initiatives.
The following reports were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin
At the noon of October 18, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was in China for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).
President Xi pointed out that President Putin’s attendance at the BRF for the third time in a row demonstrates Russia’s support for the Belt and Road cooperation. Russia is an important partner of China in Belt and Road international cooperation. Major infrastructure projects including the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline are up and running, delivering tangible benefits to the two peoples. China will work with Russia and other members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) to forge stronger synergy between the Belt and Road cooperation and the EEU, and carry out regional cooperation at a higher level and greater depths. President Xi expressed his hope for early substantive progress in the China-Mongolia-Russia natural gas pipeline, successful Great Tea Way cross-border tourism cooperation, and the building of the China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor as a road for high-quality interconnected development.
President Xi stressed that developing the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination with ever-lasting good neighborliness and mutually beneficial cooperation is not an expediency, but a long-term commitment. Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. China stands ready to work with Russia to continue adding new dimensions to their practical cooperation with a keen grasp of the trend of the times and bearing in mind the fundamental interests of the two peoples. China supports people of Russia in following their choice of path to national rejuvenation and in safeguarding sovereignty, security and development interests of the country. The two sides will pursue high-quality practical cooperation, actively explore cooperation in emerging industries that are of strategic importance, and take the 2024-2025 China-Russia years of culture as an opportunity to carry out more diverse cultural activities.
President Xi pointed out that the recent historic expansion of BRICS membership has shown the confidence of developing countries in pursuing a multi-polar world and making international relations more democratic. China supports Russia in hosting the BRICS Summit in Kazan next year. China is ready to work with Russia to step up communication and coordination within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, G20 and other multilateral frameworks, play a greater role in ensuring food security, energy security and stable global industrial and supply chains, and uphold the shared interests of the two countries, the region and the developing world.
President Putin extended congratulations on the successful convening of the third BRF. He noted that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping 10 years ago has been a huge success and is now a widely recognized major international public goods. He applauded President Xi’s keynote speech at the opening ceremony and commended his vision. He expressed his confidence in the great cause of Belt and Road cooperation and wished it further success.
President Putin noted that during President Xi’s successful state visit to Russia in March, he and President Xi had in-depth discussions on many major issues and the consensus reached is being earnestly implemented. The evolution of the international landscape fully proves President Xi’s strategic judgment that the world is undergoing changes unseen in a century. Russia is ready to work with China to enhance communication and coordination in BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, defend the international system based on international law and promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system. There is only one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. Russia is firmly committed to the one-China policy and firmly supports China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia is ready to take the opportunity of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year to further advance the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.
The two heads of state also had in-depth exchange of views on the Palestinian-Israeli situation.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the event.
Xi Jinping Meets with Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima
On the afternoon of October 18, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).
Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 10th anniversary of his proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative and his proposal of the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith as part of China’s Africa policy. Over the past decade, Belt and Road cooperation between China and Africa has shown great vitality, and a large number of landmark projects have been completed. There have been many highlights in the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Nigeria. Many cooperation projects including railways, ports, power stations and communications backbone networks have been completed in succession, and remarkable achievements have been made in the development of free trade areas. China is ready to continue working with Nigeria to push for more tangible outcomes of China-Nigeria and China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation and help Nigeria and Africa realize industrialization and agricultural modernization.
Xi Jinping stressed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria more than half a century ago, the two countries have always adhered to the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit. Facing a world fraught with changes and turbulence, China and Nigeria need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation more than ever. China supports Nigeria in pursuing a path to modernization suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to enhance personnel exchanges at all levels with Nigeria to advance high-quality practical cooperation. China supports Nigeria in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and would like to strengthen strategic coordination with Nigeria to promote democracy in international relations and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
Kashim Shettima congratulated China on successfully hosting the third BRF. He noted that Nigeria and China are good friends who have shared weal and woe and supported each other in times of difficulties. China has always treated Nigeria and other African countries with respect and as equals; it has never bossed them around, and has done its best to support the African people in seeking independence and development. He thanked China for proposing a series of important global cooperation initiatives for developing countries, providing valuable assistance for Nigeria’s development, and boosting the industrialization process of Nigeria and Africa at large. He stressed that Nigeria attaches great importance to growing relations with China, unswervingly pursues the one-China policy and remains firmly committed to high-level development of Nigeria-China relations. Nigeria is ready to further deepen Belt and Road cooperation with China and lift Nigeria-China relations to a new level.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the meeting.
Xi Jinping Meets with Kenyan President William Ruto
On the evening of October 18, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Kenyan President William Ruto who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Xi pointed out that China and Kenya have a long history of friendship. Over the past 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have treated each other as equals and supported each other, and have become good friends of mutual trust and good partners for win-win cooperation. In recent years, China and Kenya have cooperated in the implementation of a large number of projects under the Belt and Road Initiative such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway and the oil terminal at Mombasa Port, delivering fruitful results in Kenya, and giving the people of the two countries greater sense of gains. China approaches its relationship with Kenya from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is ready to work with Kenya to promote the continued development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Xi emphasized that China supports Kenya’s independent exploration of its own path of modernization in line with the country’s actual situation, and is ready to carry out exchanges of experience in governance with Kenya and step up support to each other. Kenya is welcome to make full use of trade promotion initiatives and platforms such as the “green channel” for African agricultural product exports to China, share in China’s market and the dividends of China’s opening up, and increase the export of high-quality products of Kenyan features to China. China encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest in Kenya, expand cooperation in digital economy, new energy and other fields, and help Kenya realize green development. The two sides should make good use of such platforms as the Confucius Institute and Luban Workshop to deepen cooperation and cultural exchanges at sub-national level. The two sides also need to strengthen communication and collaboration in multilateral settings to practice true multilateralism and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
Ruto congratulated China on successfully holding the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. He said that over the past 60 years since Kenya and China established diplomatic relations, the two sides have always trusted and respected each other. Kenya has benefited greatly from cooperation with China, especially since President Xi Jinping put forward the Belt and Road Initiative. Important projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway have greatly enhanced Kenya’s economic development capacity and improved the well-being of its people. Ruto expressed the confidence that the eight major steps proposed by President Xi Jinping for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation will further help Kenya and Africa achieve industrialization, agricultural modernization and economic integration. Kenya is firmly committed to the one-China policy, supports China’s rightful position on human rights and other issues, and hopes to learn from China’s successful experience in development, and deepen practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with China to promote steady development of Kenya-China comprehensive strategic partnership as well as Africa-China relations.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting.
Xi Jinping Meets with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
On the evening of October 18, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Xi Jinping emphasized that at a time when the world is faced with many global threats and challenges, the international community must unite and cooperate and pay more attention to development issues. Xi noted that the purpose of his proposal to build a community with a shared future for mankind is to find the right path for countries to jointly address various global challenges, and the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative that he put forth are aimed at gathering and accumulating more positive energy, promoting the common development of all countries, and supporting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to secure that no country is left behind.
Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past ten years since the Belt and Road Initiative was put forward, a lot of tangible results have been achieved, demonstrating the BRI’s thriving vitality. Actions speak louder than words. The BRI has been widely recognized as a global public good and a platform of international cooperation. The United Nations is an important partner in jointly building the Belt and Road. China is ready to work closely with UN agencies to promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road and contribute to global peace and development. China supports the work of the UN and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and is ready to enhance cooperation with UN agencies to promote multilateralism, build a multi-polar world, and make global governance more just and equitable.
Guterres said that developing countries are in a vulnerable and disadvantaged position when it comes to infrastructure development, investment and financing. The international financial system can no longer reflect the political and economic realities of the world today and is in urgent need of reform. The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping has provided a crucial and effective way to help developing countries achieve sustainable development and set a good example of South-South cooperation. The eight major steps announced by President Xi Jinping at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation are fully in line with the purposes and principles of the United Nations, and can help developing countries to accelerate development. The UN highly appreciates China’s firm commitment to upholding multilateralism, supports the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, and is firmly committed to deepening cooperation with China.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting.
Xi Jinping Meets with Argentine President Fernandez
On the evening of October 18, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Argentine President Alberto Fernandez who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Argentina, the two sides have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and achieved mutual benefit and win-win results. In recent years, under the joint guidance of the two presidents, China-Argentina relations have stepped up to new levels. Both China and Argentina are important developing countries, shouldering the historical mission of promoting national development and revitalization, meeting people’s aspirations for a better life, and upholding international fairness and justice. China is ready to work with Argentina to enhance the synergy of strategies, promote sustained and stable development of bilateral relations, and set a fine example of solidarity and cooperation between Global South countries. China supports Argentina’s efforts in maintaining economic and financial stability, and is ready to share development opportunities and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Argentina, and deepen practical bilateral cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure and other areas. China would like to import more high-quality Argentine products and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Argentina.
Xi Jinping congratulated Argentina on joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism upon invitation, noting that China and Argentina need to strengthen strategic coordination within the frameworks of the United Nations, the Group of 20 and the BRICS, promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and advance the building of a global community with a shared future for mankind. China always supports the integration process in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) , and is ready to work with Argentina and other LAC countries to promote the development of China-CELAC Forum and China-LAC relations.
Fernandez said that a friend in need is a friend indeed. Over the past few years, when the country was faced with difficulties, be it COVID-19 pandemic, severe droughts and natural disasters, or financial and economic woes, China always extended a precious helping hand to the Argentine people. Argentina has been deeply touched by and will never forget this. Fernandez called China a true friend of Argentina, and noted that President Xi Jinping’s important initiatives such as jointly building the Belt and Road and building a global community with a shared future for mankind have shown the way forward for the world, created important opportunities for developing countries, and played an irreplaceable role in promoting world peace, fairness, and sustainable development. Argentina fully agrees with and actively supports these initiatives. Argentina is firmly committed to the one-China principle and hopes to deepen cooperation with China in economy, trade, infrastructure and other areas, and promote further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Argentina and China. Argentina will also actively promote the growth of LAC-China relations, and work with China to uphold multilateralism and strengthen communication and collaboration within the frameworks of the G20 and BRICS cooperation mechanism.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting.
