Putin, Xi Set for Key Talks at SCO Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold bilateral talks in Bishkek as leaders gather for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Their meeting is expected to focus on strategic coordination, energy cooperation and the wider geopolitical challenges confronting Moscow and Beijing.
Putin and Xi to Meet at SCO Summit
Putin and Xi are among more than a dozen leaders attending the two-day SCO summit in the Kyrgyz capital on August 31 and September 1.
The talks will mark their second face-to-face meeting this year and come as Russia and China continue to deepen political, economic and security cooperation.
Moscow has described its relationship with Beijing as an important stabilising force in global affairs, while both governments advocate a more multipolar international order.
Russia-China Energy Cooperation in Focus
Energy is expected to feature prominently in the Putin-Xi discussions, including the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline.
The project would create another major route for Russian natural gas exports to China as Moscow seeks to redirect energy supplies away from European markets.
Trade, financial cooperation and international sanctions are also expected to feature in the bilateral talks as Russia becomes increasingly reliant on economic links with China.
Modi, Pezeshkian Among SCO Leaders in Bishkek
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are among other leaders attending the gathering.
Putin is also expected to hold separate talks with Pezeshkian, while Modi has bilateral engagements planned on the summit sidelines.
The SCO marks its 25th anniversary this year, with security, terrorism, trade, energy, connectivity and regional conflicts expected to dominate the agenda.
