OREANDA-NEWS Cooperation between Russia and China in agriculture has acquired a strategic character, said Yuri Ushakov, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation for International Affairs.

"I would like to mention agriculture: this cooperation has already acquired a strategic character. In 2023, the volume of supplies of our agricultural products to China increased by 53%, which is about $ 7.6 billion - a new record," Ushakov said at a briefing on the eve of the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China.

Ushakov noted the high level of comprehensive cooperation between Russia and China. He recalled that the trade turnover between the countries by the end of 2023 increased, according to Russian data, by 23.1% and reached a record level of $ 227.8 billion. According to Chinese estimates, it amounted to $240.1 billion.

At the same time, China came out on top among Russia's trading partners, and last year Russia rose to the fourth place among China's main trading partners. "It is important to note that the share of settlements in national currencies is increasing: they already exceed 90%," said the assistant to the President of the Russian Federation.

He also pointed to the successful development of industrial cooperation between the two countries. "Especially in the automotive industry, which we see firsthand on the streets of our country," Ushakov said.

During the negotiations within the framework of the upcoming visit, according to Ushakov, the parties will continue to discuss cooperation in the field of finance and investment. "Now there are over 80 joint projects worth about $ 200 billion in the portfolio of the investment IPC," he said.