PUTIN: FRIENDLY AND SUBSTANTIVE TALKS WITH XI

BEIJING, MAY 20 /SRNA-RIA Novosti/ – Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping were friendly and substantive.

"We have just held substantive talks on important issues of bilateral cooperation in a narrow format, in a traditionally friendly and confidential atmosphere. We will now discuss them in a broader format," Putin said during the expanded Russian-Chinese talks in Beijing.

He adds that the comprehensive Russia - China partnership is a model of interstate relations in the new era.

"Russia-China relations have repeatedly been tested for strength and stability," Putin said, adding that the two countries would continue to develop cooperation both bilaterally and on international platforms.

Xi stated that China and Russia must further strengthen the foundations of mutual trust, enrich cooperation, and expand friendship.

"The continuous promotion of the long-term, healthy, stable, and high-quality development of China-Russia relations is a strategic choice that President Putin and I jointly made based on the fundamental interests of our two countries and the overall trend of global development," the Chinese president said.

He emphasized that political trust between Russia and China has strengthened in recent years and that cooperation in trade, investment, and energy continues to develop.

Xi stated that Russia and China must fully implement the agreements reached within the framework of the extension of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.

"China-Russia relations have entered a new phase of more efficient and accelerated development," the Chinese leader concluded.