China’s Xi, India’s Modi set to attend BRICS summit in Russia

President Xi Jinping is set to embark on a significant visit to Russia next week, as announced by the Foreign Ministry on Friday. The visit will take place in the city of Kazan, where the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit will be held. This summit will provide a platform for leaders of these five emerging economies to discuss and address global issues and challenges.

The invitation extended by Russian President Vladimir Putin to President Xi Jinping is a testament to the strong and strategic partnership between China and Russia. This visit holds great significance as it will mark the first international engagement for President Xi since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BRICS summit, scheduled from July 9th to 11th, will focus on strengthening cooperation and solidarity among the member countries. It will also provide an opportunity for them to discuss and coordinate their efforts in the fight against the pandemic, as well as to promote economic recovery and growth. The theme of this year’s summit is “BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth.”

China and Russia, being two major powers and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, have been working closely together on global issues such as climate change, international trade, and regional security. This visit will further deepen their cooperation and strategic partnership, not only within the framework of BRICS but also in the international arena.

The timing of President Xi’s visit is crucial as the world is facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainties. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only posed a threat to public health but also severely impacted the global economy. In such a scenario, the BRICS countries have a significant role to play in promoting international cooperation and finding solutions to global issues.

China and Russia have been at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic, providing assistance and support to other countries in need. Their joint efforts have been commendable and have received international recognition. During the visit, President Xi and President Putin are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 and to explore opportunities for joint vaccine development and production.

Apart from the BRICS summit, President Xi’s visit will also include bilateral meetings with President Putin to discuss the deepening of China-Russia relations. The two countries have maintained a close and fruitful relationship over the years, with frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation in various fields.

Under the guidance of the two leaders, China and Russia have continuously expanded their cooperation in trade, energy, finance, and other areas. In 2020, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the trade volume between the two countries reached a record high of $107.76 billion, an increase of 2.2% compared to the previous year. China has also become Russia’s largest trading partner for the past 11 years.

In the energy sector, China and Russia have made significant progress in cooperation, with the completion of the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline and the launch of the construction of the China-Russia west-route natural gas pipeline. These projects have not only strengthened the energy security of both countries but also contributed to regional stability and economic development.

Furthermore, China and Russia have also been actively promoting people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation. The two countries have designated 2021 as the “Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation,” which will further deepen cooperation in this field and promote innovation-driven development.

President Xi’s visit to Russia will undoubtedly inject new impetus into the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. It will also demonstrate the two countries’ commitment to upholding multilateralism, promoting global stability and development, and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

In conclusion, President Xi’s upcoming visit to Russia for the BRICS summit is a manifestation of the strong and enduring friendship between China and Russia. It will further strengthen the cooperation and partnership between the two countries, and contribute to promoting global stability and development. As we face the challenges of a post-pandemic world, the visit holds great significance and will pave the way for a brighter future for both nations and the world.