Premier Li Qiang of the State Council met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on the afternoon of October 21, 2026.

Li Qiang first conveyed President Xi Jinping’s warm greetings and best wishes to President Putin. He said that amid the continuous and complex evolution of the international situation, China and Russia maintain close coordination, serving as a valuable stabilizing force in a volatile world. Since the start of this year, the two heads of state have met twice to make further plans for deepening China-Russia relations and cooperation. China stands ready to strengthen strategic communication with Russia, consolidate political mutual trust, expand all-round mutually beneficial cooperation, and continuously improve the well-being of the two peoples.

Li Qiang pointed out that China and Russia should better leverage their economic complementarity, sustain the sound momentum of bilateral cooperation, and boost practical cooperation in energy and resources, trade and investment, transportation and other areas to deliver more positive outcomes and promote common prosperity of the two countries. The two sides should deliver solid progress for the China-Russia Years of Education, further deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, sports, youth and other fields, and continuously enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Unilateralism and hegemonism are rampant in today’s world. China is ready to step up communication and coordination with Russia on major issues, work closely together on multilateral platforms including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, rally more forces of the Global South, safeguard shared interests and uphold fairness and justice.

Putin asked Li Qiang to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping and wished the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China every success. Putin said that he has met with President Xi Jinping multiple times this year, reaching new key consensus on advancing the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. Over the 30 years since its establishment, the regular meeting mechanism between the Russian and Chinese prime ministers has earnestly implemented the outcomes of head-of-state diplomacy and driven deeper and more substantive bilateral cooperation. Rooted in equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results, and accommodation of each other’s concerns, Russia-China relations are immune to changes in the international landscape and interference from third parties. China has been, is and will remain Russia’s closest and most reliable partner. Russia is ready to deepen practical cooperation with China in energy, agriculture, space, civilian nuclear energy, information technology, artificial intelligence, transportation and other sectors, jointly run the Russia-China Years of Education and expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Russia supports China in hosting this year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Informal Meeting and assuming the BRICS chairmanship next year.

Wu Zhenglong attended the meeting.Editor/Min Jing