BEIJING, October 12. /TASS/. Expanding natural resource extraction requires Russia and China to jointly safeguard maritime shipping, Russian Presidential Aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board Nikolay Patrushev said during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, according to the Maritime Board's press service.

He emphasized that relations between the two countries have withstood the most challenging times. In Patrushev's view, Russia and China are capable of reshaping the global geo-economic map through joint efforts and protecting global maritime trade more effectively against external risks.

TASS has compiled the key statements made by the presidential aide.

"Relations between Russia and China have proven their resilience during the most challenging times. Today, our task is to make these relations even more multifaceted by adding a new, maritime dimension. I am confident that through joint efforts, based on trust and mutual respect, we will be able to open this new chapter of cooperation just as successfully as we have opened all previous ones. May our partnership continue to grow, strengthen, and serve as an example to the entire world," Patrushev said.

The growth of trade between Russia and China requires reliable transport corridors, including maritime routes: "The expanding trade volumes between our nations demand reliable transport corridors, a significant portion of which rely on maritime routes. Furthermore, deepening energy cooperation requires resilient logistics chains."

Russia and China must cooperate to ensure shipping safety: "The increasing development of resources, including in northern latitudes, demands joint efforts to ensure the safety of navigation."

Russia and China should pool their strengths and potential in maritime trade: "Russia possesses an extensive maritime border, well-developed port infrastructure, and unique expertise in navigating northern seas. Meanwhile, China has a powerful shipbuilding and logistics sector, along with vast experience in managing maritime trade. Today, it is crucial to combine these advantages."

"Our countries have everything required to succeed in this area: complementary capabilities, extensive experience in joint projects, and, most importantly, a mutual interest in the results."

"We attach particular importance to the joint development of strategic logistics initiatives. China has been implementing its Maritime Silk Road concept for over a decade. Meanwhile, drawing on its vast experience in polar navigation and the operation of the Northern Sea Route, Russia has launched the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor project."

By developing Russia’s Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and China’s Maritime Silk Road initiative, the two nations can reshape the global geo-economic map and better protect global maritime trade against external risks: "By advancing these initiatives, our countries are capable of reshaping the global geo-economic map, making maritime trade less costly, more accessible, and better protected against all risks – including military escalation, piracy, and sanctions."