Two countries are marking the 25th anniversary of the treaty on good neighborliness and friendly cooperation
ISLAMABAD:
Russia and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic coordination and expanding cooperation across political, economic and regional domains as they marked the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good Neighborly and Friendly Cooperation.
In a joint article, Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan Albert P Khorev and China’s ambassador Jiang Zaidong described the 2001 treaty as a “landmark document” that laid the foundation for a comprehensive strategic partnership, calling it an “important constant” amid sweeping global changes.
The envoys said the agreement formalized long-standing ties based on equality, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, and has since evolved into a model for relations between major countries in a transforming global order.
They also highlighted the importance of the 1996 Joint Declaration, which set the course for “equal and trusting partnerships aimed at strategic cooperation in the 21st century,” noting that both documents continue to guide bilateral ties.
According to the ambassadors, political mutual trust remains the cornerstone of Russia-China relations, supported by frequent high-level exchanges and institutional coordination. They referred to President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China in May this year, where he held talks with President Xi Jinping and oversaw the signing of around 40 agreements spanning trade, energy, transport, innovation and education.
The envoys said the two sides had agreed to further align their development goals and strengthen coordination on major global issues, especially in the fields of international security and economic cooperation.
Highlighting their shared global outlook, the ambassadors said Russia and China are committed to a more “equal and orderly multipolar world” and a reformed system of global governance based on justice and sovereign equality. They noted that Pakistan shares similar positions and often works with both countries at the United Nations.
As permanent members of the UN Security Council, Russia and China along with Pakistan maintain close coordination on key international issues, they added.
The article also emphasized cooperation within multilateral forums such as BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), G20 and APEC, and described the SCO as a key platform to promote regional stability, fight terrorism and promote economic and cultural ties.
Regarding regional affairs, the ambassadors emphasized the importance of a coordinated effort towards Afghanistan and expressed support for peace and stability in the country. They said Russia and China support diplomatic mechanisms such as the Moscow Format Consultations, the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Afghanistan’s Neighboring Countries and the China-Russia-Pakistan-Iran Quadrilateral Platform.
They also expressed willingness to support Pakistan and Afghanistan in resolving their differences through dialogue.
Economic cooperation remains an important pillar of Russia-China ties, the envoys said, noting that bilateral trade has exceeded $200 billion for three consecutive years. They highlighted growing cooperation in energy, innovation and advanced technologies, as well as the increasing use of national currencies in trade settlements.
The ambassadors pointed to ongoing efforts to align China’s Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union and the broader Greater Eurasian Partnership aimed at improving regional connectivity.
They emphasized Pakistan’s strategic location as a key link in new Eurasian trade and energy corridors and said both countries attach “special importance” to cooperation with Islamabad in this regard.
Cultural and educational exchanges were also cited to strengthen people-to-people ties. The envoys noted that over 400 events were held during the Russia-China Cultural Year (2024-2025), while the upcoming years of education (2026-2027) are expected to increase academic and research cooperation.
Currently, more than 72,000 Chinese students are studying in Russia, while over 28,000 Russian students are enrolled in Chinese institutions, they added.
The ambassadors expressed confidence in the future of Russia-China relations and pledged to deepen political trust, expand cooperation and strengthen coordination on international issues, while promoting common development and regional stability, in which Pakistan plays a key role.
