Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) of China, led a delegation to Russia from June 17 to 21 on the invitation of Irina Podnosova, chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation.

The visit included participation in the BRICS Chief Justices Forum in Sochi and various engagements with the Russian judicial system.

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court of China, leads the delegation that visited Russia from June 17 to 21. While there, he met with Chief Justice Irina Podnosova of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

During the meeting with Podnosova, Zhang emphasized the longstanding friendship between China and Russia, highlighting the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, both of which fall this year.

He also underscored the importance of head-of-state diplomacy between the two nations, citing the reciprocal visits between the two heads of state as a testament to the strong mutual trust and close interactions between China and Russia.

The joint declaration signed by the two leaders outlined a vision for deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era, one that will guide the future development of bilateral relations, Zhang said.

Noting that the courts of the two countries face common tasks in addressing the challenges of economic globalization and combating organized transnational crimes, Zhang said there are many experiences and practices that can be further learned from each other in combating drug crimes, preventing juvenile delinquency, and other areas.

Zhang added that he hoped the visit would serve as an opportunity to promote further judicial exchanges.

Podnosova acknowledged the mutual trust and benefit that has resulted from 75 years of Russia-China relations under the leadership of both countries' leaders. She also expressed her willingness to work closely with China in implementing various judicial cooperation agreements and deepening exchanges at all levels through mechanisms such as the BRICS Chief Justices Forum.

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court of China, meets with Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Iran. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court of China, meets with Tewodros Mihret, chief justice of Ethiopia. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

During the stay in Russia, Zhang had separate talks with Tewodros Mihret, chief justice of Ethiopia and Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Iran, discussing the historical ties related to the Silk Road and today's cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. He highlighted the fruitful cooperation in the judicial field between China and the two countries, emphasizing the importance of exchanging experiences and innovative practices to benefit the respective countries and their peoples.

Montazeri and Mihret praised China's achievements in economic and social development and legal reform, expressing their eagerness to deepen connectivity, learn from each other's experiences and enhance judicial capabilities to maintain social stability and promote economic development.

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court of China, leads a delegation to visit the Third Appellate Court of the Russian Federation. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court of China, leads a delegation to visit the Sochi Hostinsky District Court. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Zhang and the Chinese delegation also visited the Third Appellate Court of the Russian Federation, as well as the Sochi Hostinsky District Court, engaging in in-depth discussions on case handling, judicial management, the training of judges and court digitization.