China-Russia think tank forum highlights growing cooperation

MOSCOW, May 31 (Xinhua) -- A high-level think tank forum between China and Russia was held here from Thursday to Friday, highlighting strengthening cooperation in various fields between the two countries.

Over 100 representatives from the governments of the two countries, academia, and relevant institutions participated in this year's China-Russia High-level Think Tank Forum, which was themed on cooperation between the two countries in the new era and the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations.

In a video speech at the opening ceremony on Thursday, Gao Xiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), said both sides should take the 75th anniversary as a new starting point, further align their development strategies, continuously enrich the content of bilateral cooperation, better benefit the two countries and their peoples, and contribute more positive energy to global prosperity and stability.

Igor Ivanov, president of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), noted that Russia-China relations have developed steadily over the past 75 years, reaching a historical high. He added that both countries have enormous cooperation potential and intrinsic development momentum, and will strengthen cooperation in areas of common concern.

Scholars at the forum addressed various fields of cooperation between the two countries over the past 75 years, noting that these actions have shown the responsibilities and commitments of China and Russia as major countries, and their significant contributions to world peace and development.

The forum was founded by the CASS and the RIAC in 2018. This year's event focused on such topics as China and Russia within a changing international landscape, the links between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, bilateral connectivity, and scientific and technological innovation cooperation.