In an article published by the local Xinhua news agency prior to his arrival here, the president analyzed the state and prospects of cooperation between the two neighbors, their mutual projects and the context surrounding the start of the Beijing 2022 Winter Games.

He said that when he meets with his host counterpart, Xi Jinping, they will review crucial issues on the bilateral agenda, as well as those of regional and international importance.

Putin mentioned the trade aspect and the relevance of financial, industrial, technological and human resources to successfully solve long-term development problems in both countries.

“Working together, we can achieve sustained economic growth and increase the well-being of our citizens, strengthen our competitiveness and jointly defend ourselves against modern risks and challenges,” Putin said.

He highlighted the 33 percent increase in trade exchange, to total $140 billion by 2021, as well as the availability of 65 projects worth $120 billion for investment in sectors such as mining and mineral processing, infrastructure construction and in agriculture.

“We are steadily increasing the use of our national currencies in our deals and developing mechanisms to offset the negative impact of unilateral sanctions,” he noted.

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