Traditionally, The Moscow Post correspondent asked his question.
Our first question sounded like this, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a teleconference the day after Donald Trump's inauguration. Relations between the two countries are called "comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction entering a new era"). Moscow and Beijing "act from solidarity positions" on international platforms, their positions on the vast majority of foreign policy issues are close or coincide.
Could you help summarize how the positions of Russia and China coincide in relation to the United States, in addition to rejecting the policy of unilateral American dominance in world affairs?
Answering the question about the coincidence of the positions of Russia and China in relation to the United States, Maria Vladimirovna said that both countries do not accept the policy of unilateral dominance pursued by America. Russia and China highly value their partnerships and strategic interaction, which were formed thanks to the personal efforts of the leaders of the two countries.
According to her, these relations have reached an unprecedented level, and their basis is a wide commonality of national interests. These connections are independent of domestic political factors in other countries. Russia and China understand each other's tasks and interests. Their cooperation develops on the principles of equality, mutual respect and support on important issues for both states.
"Russia and China are closely coordinating their actions in the international arena. Their foreign policy interaction makes a significant contribution to the formation of a fair world order, as well as to solving global and regional problems, "she stressed.
The coincidence and closeness of views on key world issues ensure the responsible participation of Moscow and Beijing in world affairs. At the same time, they do not seek confrontation and do not oppose anyone, the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry added.
At the same time, speaking of the United States, it is important to emphasize that Russia and China have never set themselves the task of breaking contacts or using sanctions as an instrument of pressure.
Both states strive for positive, constructive and effective interaction. This approach coincides with the goals and objectives of the Chinese partners. Moscow and Beijing have repeatedly stressed readiness for dialogue, including relations with the United States, even during periods when Washington has shown strange or unilateral approaches.
The dialogue should be based on the principles of equality, honesty, mutual respect and balance of interests, and not on dictates or threats, Zakharova noted.
Our second question concerned the climate agenda.
President Trump decided to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization. How can you comment on this?
Zakharova stressed: "This decision was predicted. It has been repeatedly noted that international legal agreements concluded by one US administration are often not considered as obligations for the next. "
Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement certainly won't stop international climate action. Russia continues to consider this agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change as key international instruments, she added.
As for WHO, according to Maria Vladimirovna, the United States has already tried to withdraw from this organization earlier, but such attempts were unsuccessful. A final US exit could significantly undermine international health cooperation, especially for countries in the global South.
The pandemic has confirmed that an effective fight against challenges is possible only through joint efforts.
Russia will closely monitor the development of events related to the decisions of the new US administration in order to promptly present its position, Zakharova concluded.