The two leaders primarily discussed bilateral relations between their countries and exchanged views on regional issues and their strategic partnership, according to a statement released by Kremlin.

Putin congratulated Xi on being re-elected as General Secretary of the of CPC Central Committee.

“In the context of growing geopolitical tensions, the importance of the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership as a stability factor is growing,” Putin said.

Putin also invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to make a state visit to Moscow in the spring of 2023.

“I have no doubt that we will find an opportunity to meet with you in person. We are waiting for you, dear Mr. Chairman, dear friend, we are waiting for you to come next spring with a state visit to Moscow,” Putin told Xi.

Xi, in turn, said that “under our joint leadership, the overarching Russia-China partnership and strategic cooperation demonstrate maturity and ability to withstand challenges in this new age.”

“The inner potential and special values of this bilateral cooperation are becoming more apparent. Between January and November 2022, Russian-Chinese trade exceeded $170 billion, which is more than the annual turnover in 2021,” Xi noted.

He also underlined that China was ready to build up strategic cooperation with Russia, providing each other with development opportunities and remaining global partners for the benefit of the two countries and in the interests of stability in the entire world. (ILKHA)