Russian President Putin Commends Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Invites Global Investment in Northern Sea Route

Speaking on the global stage, Putin expressed gratitude to his “dear friend” President Xi and lauded the BRI for its role in fostering global connectivity and economic cooperation.

While addressing an international audience, Putin stated, “Russia and China, like most countries of the world, share the desire for equal, mutually beneficial cooperation to achieve universal sustainable and long-term economic progress and social well-being, while respecting the diversity of civilization and the right of each State to its development model.”

He emphasized the natural alignment between Russia’s extensive transport infrastructure development and the BRI, notably highlighting the Northern Sea Route. This vast trade route stretches from Murmansk, near Russia’s border with Norway, to the Bering Strait near Alaska.

Putin went on to make a significant announcement regarding the Northern Sea Route, stating, “As for the Northern Sea Route, Russia does not just offer its partners to actively use its transit potential, I will say more: we invite interested states to participate directly in its development, and we are ready to provide reliable icebreaker navigation, communication, and supply.” He continued, “Starting next year, navigation for ice-class cargo ships along the entire length of the Northern Sea Route will become year-round.”

This declaration underscores Russia’s commitment to expanding trade routes and further facilitating global trade by providing reliable infrastructure and support for year-round shipping through the Northern Sea Route.

The presence of a handful of European delegates, including former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, walking out of the room just before Putin’s speech, reflects the diverse opinions surrounding the BRI and its implications for global geopolitics.

President Putin was accompanied by a senior delegation from Moscow, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, and other high-ranking officials. This visit, occurring in the context of ongoing global shifts in economic and geopolitical alliances, signifies the importance of Russia’s role in fostering cooperation and development in the Eurasian region.