President Xi Jinping on Monday met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Kyrgyzstan, where he said China stands ready to work with its northern neighbour to strengthen the driving force for the reform of global governance.

Xi also said the nation stands ready to work with Russia and other parties to advance an equal and orderly multipolar world.

In his meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit 2026, Xi said Beijing is willing to work with Moscow and various sides to jointly chart the course for the development of the SCO, and help ensure its steady and sustained progress.

He also said that under his and Putin's strategic guidance, and through the joint efforts of both sides, the foundation of China-Russia relations will become even stronger.

Xi added that progress would be even steadier and that their future would be even brighter.

For his part, Putin said Moscow aims to cooperate with Beijing in the field of artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

"Digital innovations, including in artificial intelligence technologies, are also opening up new opportunities for the economic development of our countries," Putin said.

The SCO bloc – which brings together Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, four central Asian countries and Belarus – is celebrating its 25-year anniversary.

Meanwhile, Xi said that China stands ready to work with Uzbekistan to usher in a new "golden decade" for bilateral relations, as the two sides celebrate the 10th anniversary of the China-Uzbekistan comprehensive strategic partnership.

The president made the remarks in a meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev. (Xinhua/AFP)


Edited by Aaron Tam