According to the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, joint military exercises can serve as an example of this
MOSCOW, June 9. /tass/. Russia and China, coordinating efforts in the international arena, have a stabilizing influence on the situation in the world. This opinion was expressed by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Army General Valery Gerasimov.
"The coordination of the efforts of Russia and the People's Republic of China in the international arena has a stabilizing effect on the situation in the world," Gerasimov said during a video conference call with the chief of the Joint Staff of the Central Military Council of the People's Republic of China, Colonel-General Liu Zhengli.
According to the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, joint military exercises can serve as an example of this. Both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and SMOA Plus, they contribute to the deepening of positive contacts in the defense sphere.
Gerasimov noted that the Russian side highly appreciates the choice of it as the country for the first foreign trip of the Minister of Defense of the People's Republic of China, Colonel-General Li Shangfu, appointed to the post in March 2023.
"The visit of the Minister of Defense of the People's Republic of China, Colonel-General Li Shangfu to Moscow in April was of great importance for the development of cooperation in the defense sphere of Russia and China. We highly appreciate the fact that after being appointed to the post, Colonel-General Li Shangfu chose Russia as the first country for his foreign trip, as did Chinese President Xi Jinping, who visited our country on a state visit in March," Gerasimov said.
He also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping confirmed the highest level of Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. According to the head of the Russian General Staff, against the background of world events, the decisions taken form long-term goals in the field of national development and security, which were fixed in the joint statement, including issues of deepening military cooperation.
The appointment of Colonel-General Liu Zhengli will contribute to the expansion of military cooperation between Russia and China, Valery Gerasimov said.
"I am convinced that your extensive experience will contribute both to the development of the Armed Forces of the People's Republic of China and to the expansion of military cooperation between our countries," he said.
Gerasimov also congratulated his colleague on his appointment to the post in March of this year and wished "success in a responsible position in protecting the motherland, strengthening its defense capability, further modernization of the People's Liberation Army of China."
The Head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation noted that the practice of conducting joint operational and combat training of the Armed Forces Russia and China should remain an important area of activity.
"The practice of conducting joint operational and combat training activities of the Armed Forces of Russia and China should remain an important area of further activity. I am convinced that today's talks will serve to further strengthen the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership in the defense sector. Taking this opportunity, I invite you to visit Russia at a convenient time for you," Gerasimov said.
