Two countries celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good Neighborhood and Friendly Cooperation
ISLAMABAD:
Russia and China reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic coordination and expanding cooperation in the political, economic and regional fields, marking the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good Neighborhood and Friendly Cooperation.
In a joint article, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev and Chinese 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 win-win cooperation, and has since become a model for relations between major countries in a transforming world order.
They also highlighted the importance of the 1996 Joint Declaration, which set the course for “an equal and confident partnership aimed at strategic cooperation in the 21st century”, noting that the two documents continue to guide bilateral relations.
According to the ambassadors, mutual political trust remains the cornerstone of Russian-Chinese relations, supported by frequent high-level exchanges and institutional coordination. They discussed President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China in May this year, during which he spoke with President Xi Jinping and oversaw the signing of around 40 agreements covering trade, energy, transport, innovation and education.
The envoys said the two sides agreed to further align their development goals and strengthen coordination on major global issues, particularly in the areas of international security and economic cooperation.
Highlighting their shared global vision, the ambassadors said Russia and China advocated for a “more equal and orderly multipolar world” and for a reformed system of global governance based on fairness and sovereign equality. They noted that Pakistan shares similar positions and often works alongside the two 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 highlights cooperation in multilateral forums such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the G20 and APEC, describing the SCO as a key platform for promoting regional stability, combating terrorism and fostering economic and cultural ties.
On regional issues, the ambassadors highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts in Afghanistan, expressing 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 readiness to help Pakistan and Afghanistan resolve their differences through dialogue.
Economic cooperation remains a major pillar of Russian-Chinese 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 growing use of national currencies in trade settlements.
The ambassadors highlighted ongoing efforts to align China’s Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union and the broader Greater Eurasian Partnership, aimed at strengthening regional connectivity.
They highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location as a key link in the emerging Eurasian trade and energy corridors, saying both countries attach “particular importance” to cooperation with Islamabad in this regard.
Cultural and educational exchanges have also been cited as strengthening ties between people. The envoys noted that more than 400 events took place during the Russia-China Culture Years (2024-2025), while the upcoming Education Years (2026-2027) are expected to strengthen academic and research collaboration.
Currently, more than 72,000 Chinese students are studying 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, pledging 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.
