Putin met with Xi Jinping and Erdogan: „Russia and China have the best relations in history”

Vladimir Putin met with Xi Jinping and Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, taking place on July 3 and 4 in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised relations with China, stating they are at “the best level in history” during a meeting with President Xi Jinping.

The two leaders met in the Kazakh capital, Astana, for the SCO summit, which Moscow and Beijing consider a tool to counter the influence of the US and its allies in the region. Alongside Russia and China, four Central Asian states, India, Iran, and Pakistan are SCO members.

Russia and China have deepened their political, military, and economic ties since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. However, Putin stated that “Russia and China are not creating any bloc and do not cooperate against anyone, but act in the interests of their peoples.” During his meeting with Xi, Putin praised the SCO, saying it “strengthens its role as a key pillar of a fair multipolar world order.”

“Russian-Chinese relations, our comprehensive partnership, and strategic cooperation are at their best period in history,” said Putin.

Putin mentioned he expects Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in Kazan this October.

In turn, Xi called Putin “his old friend” and said that Sino-Russian relations have reached “a high level.”

“In the face of a turbulent international situation and external environment, both parties should continue to uphold the initial aspiration of friendship for future generations,” said Xi.

Putin and Erdogan discussed ending the war in Ukraine

On the sidelines of the summit, Putin also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Turkish leader said Ankara could help establish a basis for ending the war between Ukraine and Russia. He added that a fair peace acceptable to both parties is possible.

“Turkey can lay the groundwork for a ceasefire agreement between the Russian Federation and Ukraine,” said Erdogan.

Putin and Erdogan also discussed the war in Gaza and ways to end the conflict in Syria, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.