Two countries commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good Neighborhood and Friendly Cooperation
ISLAMABAD:
Russia and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen strategic coordination and expand cooperation in the political, economic and regional spheres, as they commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good Neighborhood 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 “historic document” that laid the foundation for a comprehensive strategic partnership, calling it a “vital constant” amid sweeping global changes.
The envoys said the agreement formalized long-standing ties based on equality, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation, and has since evolved into a model for relations between major countries in a changing global order.
They also highlighted the importance of the 1996 Joint Declaration, which set the course for an “equal and trustworthy partnership aimed at strategic cooperation in the 21st century,” and noted that both documents continue to guide bilateral relations.
According to the ambassadors, mutual political 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, during which he held talks with President Xi Jinping and oversaw the signing of around 40 agreements covering trade, energy, transportation, innovation and education.
The envoys said the two sides had agreed to further align their development goals and strengthen coordination on important global issues, particularly in the areas of international security and economic cooperation.
Highlighting their shared global perspective, the ambassadors said Russia and China advocate for 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 alongside 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 highlighted cooperation within multilateral forums such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the G20 and APEC, and described the SCO as a key platform for promoting regional stability, combating terrorism and fostering economic and cultural ties.
On regional matters, the ambassadors highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts in Afghanistan, expressing their support for peace and stability in the country. They said Russia and China support diplomatic mechanisms such as the Moscow Format Consultations, the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan’s Neighboring Countries and the China-Russia-Pakistan-Iran quadrilateral platform.
They also expressed their willingness to support Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their differences through dialogue.
Economic cooperation remains an important pillar of Russia-China relations, the envoys said, noting that bilateral trade has exceeded $200 billion for three consecutive years. They highlighted growing collaboration in energy, innovation and advanced technologies, as well as the increasing use of national currencies in trade agreements.
The ambassadors noted ongoing efforts to align China’s Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union and the broader Greater Eurasian Partnership, with the aim of improving regional connectivity.
They emphasized Pakistan’s strategic location as a key link in Eurasia’s emerging trade and energy corridors, and said both countries attach “particular importance” to cooperation with Islamabad in this regard.
It was also mentioned that cultural and educational exchanges strengthen ties between peoples. The envoys noted that more than 400 events were held during the Russia-China Culture Years (2024-2025), while the upcoming Education Years (2026-2027) are expected to boost academic and research collaboration.
Currently, more than 72,000 Chinese students study in Russia, while more than 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 shared development and regional stability with Pakistan playing a key role.
