President's Russia visit eyes global stability

President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Russia reflects close cooperation between China and Russia, which is important to maintain the stability of the international community amid rising uncertainties, analysts said.

Xi will make a state visit to Russia from June 5 to 7 and attend the 23rd St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang announced on Wednesday.

The trip is part of the annual exchange of visits between the two countries' heads of state, after Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in April and had talks with Xi on the sidelines.

The visit will further display the strength of bilateral ties, which are developing "very good" momentum both politically and economically, said Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies.

Trade between the two countries "made a major breakthrough" and exceeded $100 billion in 2018, and the two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have been coordinating closely on major international issues, Ruan said.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties, which are said to have reached their best level in history.

Also, the attendance of the two countries' leaders at each other's international forums shows both sides' support for an open global economy, Ruan added.

Addressing the plenary session of the Fourth Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, in September, Xi called for regional members to actively align their development strategies and work together for an open regional economy.

Wu Hongwei, a researcher of China-Russia relations at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said bilateral cooperation plays a prominent role in guaranteeing world peace and security at a time when the global situation is clouded by tensions and turmoil.

The two countries share the same position in promoting a more stable and multipolar world, Wu said, adding that they have sent such signals through supporting and coordinating with each other on international occasions.