Russia and China have achieved almost a complete de-dollarization in their bilateral payments, with over 90% of mutual payments carried out in national currencies, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Tuesday.
"Since the start of the year, the bilateral trade has almost tripled, with most of the payments, over 90%, carried out in national currencies. It means an almost complete dedollarization of economic ties," Mishustin said at the 28th meeting of the heads of the governments of Russia and China.
Apart from discussion of bilateral relations, Mishustin expressed his condolences to Chinese Premier Li Qiang in connection with an earthquake in northwestern China and said that Russia would be ready to provide help to China if necessary.
"By the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin, we are ready to provide assistance in tackling the consequences of the earthquake through our Emergencies Ministry, if our Chinese friends require it," the Russian prime minister said.
During the two-day visit, it is planned to discuss current issues in the development of Russian-Chinese relations with an emphasis on practical cooperation, humanitarian and interregional exchanges.
Ahead of the Russian PM's visit, Beijing expressed its hopes to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
"We look forward to deepening cooperation between the two sides, expanding humanitarian and regional exchanges, and further deepening the comprehensive partnership and strategic engagement between China and Russia in the new era through this regular meeting of the prime ministers," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.