Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov in China

Chinese Minister of National Defence Admiral Dong Jun welcomed the Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
Photo: Department for Media Affairs and Information of Russian MoD

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov arrived at the capital of the People's Republic of China Beijing on Monday on an official visit.

During the visit, the Russian Defence Minister is to hold a series of talks with the country's military and military-political leadership.

The mission of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China saw the ceremony of an official meeting of the Russian delegation with the participation of a guard of honour company and a band. Chinese Minister of National Defence Admiral Dong Jun welcomed the Russian Defence Minister. The ceremony ended with the passing of the guard of honour company a solemn march.

Previously, the Russian Defence Minister laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The Monument of a height of 38 metres was built in 1952-1958 in memory of the heroes who laid down their lives in the Chinese Civil War in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is the national monument of the Republic.

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov holds talks with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun.
Photo: Department for Media Affairs and Information of Russian MoD

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov stated that cooperation between the two countries in the military sphere is an important factor in maintaining global and regional stability.

'Russian-Chinese military cooperation is an important element in enhancing defence capabilities and maintaining global and regional stability. We regularly conduct joint operational and combat training on land, at sea, and in the air. Successfully practise combat training tasks, including missions with the highest complexity,' said Andrei Belousov at talks with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun on Monday.

He noted that Russia is looking forward to 'close and successful cooperation with Chinese comrades'.

'I am sure that today's talks will serve to further strengthen of the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership in the defence sphere,' said the Russian Defence Minister.

According to his assessment, 'friendly relations of Russia and China continue to have high dynamics of development, are expanding in all directions and are at an unprecedented level'.

'The trusting contacts between the leaders of the two countries play a key role in strengthening strategic ties. We are committed to implementing all the agreements reached at the highest level,' said the Russian Defence Minister.

At the beginning of the talks, the head of the military department said that he was pleased to have met with the a Chinese counterpart.

In conclusion of the open part of the talks, the Russian Defence Minister congratulated the colleague and the Ministry of Defence of the People's Republic of China on the two anniversary dates such as the 75th anniversary of the formation of the People's Republic of China and the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia,' said the Russian Defence Minister. The first date was – 1 October, the second one was – 2 October this year.

'Next year our peoples will mark the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Nazi-fascism and Japanese militarism', said Andrei Belousov.

The People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation have a mutual willingness to develop military cooperation, said the Chinese Defence Minister.

China and Russia have a common willingness to develop bilateral military cooperation, and it is possible to open a new page in this direction, said Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun during talks with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov on Monday.

'This is our first meeting, but we also have a solid basis for friendship between our countries. And we have a common desire to promote the military cooperation. I'm sure we'll be good friends,' said the Chinese head of the military department.

He noted the complexity of the historical period during which Andrei Belousov was appointed the head of the Russian Defence Ministry, describing the current time as a 'critical period'.

'And during that period, you were appointed a very responsible position - the Russian Minister of Defence. You have important duties. I think that reflects the great trust of Russian President Vladimir Putin and demonstrates your leadership,' said Dong Jun.

He said that China and Russia today have the opportunity to open a new page on cooperation in the military sphere.

'In accordance with our cooperation and joint efforts, I think we can promote our military cooperation and open a new page of our relations,' said the Chinese Defence Minister.

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