Mishustin says national currencies approach 100% of Russia-China trade

National currencies now account for close to 100% of trade between Russia and China, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in St. Petersburg.

Mishustin said bilateral trade had grown more than 30-fold over 25 years. He said commercial and economic cooperation maintained positive momentum despite external pressure.

He also pointed to developing energy, cultural and humanitarian ties, regional cooperation and direct contacts between people in Russia and China.

The talks form part of the 31st regular meeting of the countries' heads of government. Mishustin and Li arrived from Dushanbe after a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting the previous day and visited the Tsarskoye Selo museum reserve.

Following a welcoming ceremony, the premiers began restricted-format talks. The agenda covers joint projects in energy, industry, agriculture, transport and education. A joint communique and bilateral documents are expected at the meeting's conclusion.