Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday for a two-day summit to discuss relations between the two countries.
Xi said the two countries were strengthening their diplomatic ties as “good neighbors, good friends, good partners,” the Associated Press reported. He also promised to work with Russia to help “rejuvenate” each country.
“The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it,” Xi said upon Putin’s arrival at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. “China is willing to … jointly achieve the development and rejuvenation of our respective countries and work together to uphold fairness and justice in the world.”
Putin, meanwhile, reinforced his gratitude to China regarding Ukraine. He thanked Xi for his country’s efforts in helping Russia in its war with Ukraine. He said his country was “grateful for the initiative of our Chinese colleagues and friends to regulate the situation.”
China’s president expressed optimism for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and called for a return to stability on the European continent. He also announced China’s intentions to play an integral role in helping facilitate diplomacy after the war.
“China hopes for the early return of Europe to peace and stability and will continue to play a constructive role toward this,” Xi said.
Before their public meeting, Putin and Xi signed a joint statement to strengthen geopolitical ties. Furthermore, both promised to commit to future cooperation in many areas, including car manufacturing, food supplies, and nuclear energy.
Additionally, Xi announced that both countries will commit to maintaining a position of “non-alliance and non-confrontation,” according to reports.
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Putin announced that the initiative to strengthen Sino-Russian relations is in each country’s interests. He claimed it was a natural progression in the order of things and that it was “not directed against anyone.”
“Our cooperation in world affairs today is one of the main stabilizing factors in the international arena,” Putin said.
