Russia and China have pledged to support each other's core interests and to oppose what they called destructive external interference in Eurasia, AFP reported, citing a statement carried by China's state-run Xinhua news agency after Chinese Premier Li Qiang met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg.

Source: AFP via Sweden Herald

"Both sides pointed out that destructive external interference is the main factor undermining stability on the Eurasian continent," the statement said, according to AFP. China also said it "opposes interference by foreign powers in Russia's internal affairs."

Li said on Wednesday that China and Russia have served as a valuable force for stability in a world marked by turbulence and transformation, Xinhua reported. He said Beijing stands ready to enhance cooperation with Moscow and to deepen practical cooperation in areas such as energy resources, trade and investment, and transportation.

Source: Xinhua via State Council Information Office

Noting that unilateralism and hegemonism are rampant in today's world, Li said China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Russia on major issues, enhance coordination within multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, and unite more forces of the Global South to safeguard common interests, Xinhua reported.

Putin said relations between the two neighbours are built on equality and mutual respect and are not subject to interference from any third party, according to Xinhua. "China has been and will always be Russia's closest and most reliable partner," he said. Russia is ready to deepen practical cooperation with China in energy, agriculture, space, civilian nuclear energy, information technology, artificial intelligence and transportation, he added.

Li also co-chaired the 31st regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian heads of government with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in St Petersburg, Xinhua reported. Putin noted the prime ministers' regular meeting mechanism has run for 30 years, and this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Russia-China Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. He added that Russia supports China in hosting this year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and in assuming the BRICS chairmanship next year.