Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video conference on the 21st (local time), according to China Central Television (CCTV) and the Kremlin.
In the video released by the Kremlin, the two leaders were seen exchanging friendly greetings. Before the meeting, President Putin referred to President Xi as a "dear friend" and waved his hand. President Putin attended the meeting from the Novo-Ogaryovo residence near Moscow, while President Xi participated from the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
This communication between the Chinese and Russian leaders took place after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Amid the emergence of Trump's inauguration as a significant factor in the international community, Presidents Putin and Xi agreed on further developing bilateral relations.
According to TASS news agency, President Putin told President Xi that they would "summarize the achievements of the past year and discuss new plans to further develop the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China." He added that the relationship between Russia and China is "based on friendship, mutual trust and support, equality, and mutual benefit," emphasizing that "this relationship is self-sufficient and not influenced by domestic political factors or global circumstances."
President Putin also stated, "We are working to ensure indivisible security in Eurasia and the world as a whole," and confidently asserted that "the diplomatic relations and joint efforts between Russia and China play a role in stabilizing international issues." He further added that Russia and China will jointly build a fair multipolar world order.
President Xi said, "Substantial cooperation between the two countries is steadily increasing, and mutual trade is maintaining a steady growth trend," mentioning that the gas pipeline project connecting Russia and China is progressing faster than planned. In response, President Putin confirmed that Russia has become the largest supplier of natural gas to China.
President Xi also emphasized that China is ready to elevate its relationship with Russia to a new level and to resist external uncertainties.
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