Xi, Putin meet on Asia-Pacific free trade, China-Russia ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for joint efforts by China and Russia to push forward the process of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).

Xi told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at a bilateral meeting that both sides should fully implement the consensus reached at the 2014 APEC Beijing meeting and other meetings in recent years.

The FTAAP process was launched at the 2014 Beijing meeting and a roadmap was endorsed. A collective strategic study on the FTAAP was conducted subsequently, as agreed by the APEC members, and the result should be reported to the economic leaders by the end of 2016.

Xi and Putin are currently in Lima, Peru's capital, attending the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting and related events.

Delivering a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit earlier Saturday, Xi called for concerted efforts to advance the construction of the FTAAP, noting that it is a strategic choice concerning the long-term prosperity of the region.

Holding talks with Putin on the sidelines of the meeting, Xi underlined the need for China-Russia cooperation under the APEC framework in a bid to promote the bloc to contribute more to regional and global economic growth.

Echoing Xi's remarks, Putin said Russia and China should strengthen coordination and collaboration in APEC and other multilateral mechanisms.

As for China-Russia all-round strategic coordination, Xi said that it has not only promoted both countries' development but also strengthened the force of world peace and justice.

China stands ready to work with Russia to continue high-level close contact, enhance mutual support and consolidate political and strategic mutual trust in the upcoming year, stressed Xi.

The Chinese president called on the two neighboring nations to enhance synergy of their national development strategies, and further integrate the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

He also expressed hopes that both countries will successfully organize the China-Russia Media Exchange Year and other important people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Putin, for his part, said the high-level relationship between Russia and China is very significant for global peace and stability, noting both sides should maintain close contact.

Hailing good momentum of bilateral economic ties and achievements they have scored in high and new technology, the Russian president stressed that Russia is looking forward to working with China to strengthen collaboration between the Belt and Road Initiative and the EEU.

The two heads of state also made in-depth exchange of views on other international and regional issues of shared concern, agreeing to safeguard peace and security in Northeast Asia, Central Asia and other regions neighboring their two countries. Endi