Russia, China move from strategic to more substantive agreements in terms of western sanctions - First Deputy PM Shuvalov

DAVOS, January 19. /TASS/. Russia and China have moved to cooperation "on all fronts" after the introduction of Western anti-Russian sanctions, First Deputy PM Igor Shuvalov said on Thursday, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "Our relations with China are developing extraordinarily. Earlier the strategic discussion at the level of the leaders was very positive. However, the agenda was special - it included agreement on borders, strategic arrangements, for the most part oil and gas in regards to the economy. After the introduction of the anti-Russian sanctions, we have agreed with the Chinese partners to begin working on all fronts," he said. Shuvalov noted that Russia and China also have ties that have nothing to do with governments. "Private companies are coming to Russia, open new business. We help Russian private companies to export their products to China, where certification or other state support is necessary," he said. According to him, China's banks are interested in developing their business in cooperation with Russia, but "carefully watch the sanctions regime, not to fall into any trap." Shuvalov also said that the Russian government does not expect that anti-Russian sanctions will be removed soon. "Perhaps the market expects that there will be better relations with the US. In our work we proceed from the fact that there still can be quite tough external conditions. We plan our agenda considering that the sanctions will remain," he said. He noted that removal of sanctions would improve the situation. Read more