Of all countries, China maintains the closest ties with Russia. With this statement, Chinese President, Xi Jinping, began negotiations with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Today is the second day of his official visit. The parties discussed all areas of cooperation and could get on the same page ahead of the upcoming G20 summit, which, Russia and China are approaching with similar positions on many issues. A vivid proof is about two dozen signed agreements and statements, and the highest Russian award for Xi Jinping is a recognition of his services in strengthening the friendship. Anastasia Sahovskaya reporting about the visit.
The highest and oldest Russian state award for the Chinese leader. The motto of this award is "For Faith and Fidelity," historically it was awarded to foreigners in very special cases. Chinese President was awarded for strengthening friendship and cooperation between the people of the two countries. I have known Mr. Xi Jinping for several years now, although he heads a great state, a great country, he always shows a well-known modesty in his personal life and prefers not to talk about himself. But I would like to emphasize that it is he who directs Chinese foreign policy. And I know, and not by hearsay, we work together, that he personally makes a huge contribution to the development of bilateral relations, and makes decisions on key issues of Russian-Chinese relations. And we really value it, I want to emphasize this.
This award underscores your personal contribution to the building of our relations. In the morning Xi Jinping laid flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at a ceremony in the Alexander's Garden, and honored the memory of the fallen in the WWII. The best relations in history, the highest level of trust and remarkably frequent meetings. The leaders of Russia and China meet for the third time this year: in May in Beijing, in June in Astana.
The official visit of the Chinese President to Moscow is called the key event of the year in the relations, and as Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed, both countries are using every opportunity to discuss bilateral and international agenda. The first meeting. Vladimir Putin warmly welcomes Xi Jinping and all the members of the Chinese delegation.
Right away, a curious detail: both leaders have ties of a similar shade. Which is the general tone of the overall negotiations. I am pleased to note that if last year we observed a modest but still growing trade balance of 3%, this year it is already significant, 37% for the first 4 months of this year. Economic issues always lie at the center of our focus, but we work on other issues, we are also engaged in combining our efforts in the international arena in the field of security, in combating modern threats and challenges.
Even despite the strict protocol, the word "friendship" appears several times in the speech of the Chinese leader, it is quite obvious that this is not just the language of diplomacy and not just a courtesy. Dear Mr. President Putin, my good friend, dear Russian friends and colleagues, I am very glad to once more pay a state visit to Russia. Yesterday, after we arrived to Russia, we were at once surrounded by a warm feeling of friendship, of the Russian attention to us, and we are deeply touched by this friendship, and I'm now impressed by this strong friendship. The Chinese President also met with the Russian PM. Dmitry Medvedev called Xi Jinping's visit yet another milestone on the way to strengthening the strategic partnership. A short break in the series of negotiations: we known that in the Kremlin the Chinese delegation was treated with exquisite Russian cuisine. The menu had, for example, pancakes with caviar.
In general, the unusual format of the visit was emphasized prior: in the program, a meeting with business and media circles, representatives of public organizations. The head of the Friendship, Peace and Development Committee Fyodor Bondarchuk speaks about the opening of China, forums for small and medium-sized businesses, e-commerce and even fitness marathons for students. Everywhere there are rules, and there are a lot of them.
Getting into the Chinese market, this will not happen in just a second. But that the Chinese producers and China are interested in Russian filmmakers, this is a fact. Primorye and the Amur Region are among the most visited Russian areas by Chinese tourists. Street signs, store price tags, now even the news here are in Chinese. Now Russia and China will together strengthen new voices in international information, because respected Western media is increasingly publishing straight lies. Few countries in the world are victims of such information attacks, real information terrorism, I will not be afraid of this word, as often and as cruelly as our countries, Russia and China. We are opposing the powerful army of Western mainstream journalism practically alone, and, of course, we must help each other.
The argument for the importance of teamwork also comes from Chinese journalists. The world should hear truly high-quality media. China and Russia are great powers, good neighbors, To strengthen mutual understanding between our countries. cooperation and interaction between our media is also necessary. The first Russian channel Katyusha will start broadcasting in China in Russian, but with Chinese subtitles. The agreement was signed today at the forum of Russian and Chinese media. And within the business agenda, contracts worth more than $10 billion.
The liquefied natural gas production company Yamal LNG a third owned by Chinese partners, will be launched by the end of the year. I would like to express my big gratitude to you, dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, and to you, dear Chairman Xi Jinping, for the support of this project, especially relevant in conditions of a difficult political situation. And in the largest joint energy project The Power of Siberia one-third of the gas pipeline is ready, two-thirds are under construction, a key date has become known today. This is December 20, 2019, and indeed, this is a key stage, since the project passes to the final stage.
In all, about four dozen documents have been signed, in the areas of transport, health care, film production. In the strategically important sector of agriculture, the Chinese market is about to open for new categories of imports, this is already from the statements of the leaders following the visit. A decision has been made to increase the supply of Russian wheat, the document for allowing other cereals to the Chinese market is in the final stage of approval.
Also discussed was the issue of lifting restrictions on the import to China of Russian meat and poultry products. China and Russia, as the world's leading economies, are determined to form a more open global economy, and for this we will strengthen our coordination within the G20. Just at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are expected to meet again, in just three days. Thank you very much.
