Russian PM vows to strengthen cooperation with China in live webcast on People's Daily Online

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev answers questions on a wide range of issues raised by Chinese netizens in the People's Daily Online studio.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday hailed the thriving China-Russia relationship, which is at all-time high, vowing to further strengthen cooperation with China.

“In the past few years, relations between China and Russia have improved significantly and have reached a historic high level. The two nations’ relations will not be affected by the upcoming presidential election in Russia in 2018, and will keep developing and thriving,” said Medvedev during a live webcast held by People’s Daily Online on Tuesday.

According to Medevedev, China has made remarkable achievements, and has provided a good model for Russia. By 2050, China is expected to grow into a prosperous, modern world power, the prime minister said, adding that Russia is mulling more favorable policies to attract Chinese investment as Moscow also strives for the same goal of bringing prosperity to its people.

As of August, the trade volume between China and Russia has increased by 35 percent based on statistics from Russia, a satisfying speed that he believes means expansion of job creation and production of goods and service. Medvedev pointed out that Russia will further encourage the logistic industry, online trade, as well as other high-tech spheres.

He added that Russia welcomes Chinese investment in oil, gas, agriculture, housing, and more sectors in the country's Far East and other regions.

People's Daily President Yang Zhenwu (front right, second person) gives Medvedev a tour of People's Daily Online. 

Meanwhile, the country is also working on more favorable visa policies in addition to the current ones, such as visa-free access for a tourist group of 3 people instead of the current group of at least 5 people, according to Medvedev.

In 2016, Russia witnessed 1.2 million Chinese tourists, while in the first half of 2017, the number has increased by 20 percent. 

The Prime Minister also congratulated the successful closing of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, adding that the event has blueprinted China’s future.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in a live webcast talk to Chinese netizens in the People's Daily Online studio.

“We paid close attention to the Congress’ progress and achievements. All the approved resolutions possess strategic significance and can strengthen China’s social coherence. It will take a long time to realize them, but we hope they can be fully implemented,” said Medevedev.