The Russian president has proposed that his Chinese counterpart visit Moscow next year. Vladimir Putin extended the invitation to Xi Jinping during a video call on Friday.
In his initial remarks, Putin noted that he and Xi had regular contacts, both in person and via calls.
“Intensive bilateral exchanges will continue next year. I am certain that you and I will find an opportunity to meet in person. We are expecting you…my dear friend, for a state visit in Moscow in the spring of next year,” he said.
Responding to the Russian president, Xi also called him a friend. He remarked that under their joint leadership “the comprehensive Chinese-Russian partnership and strategic cooperation in a new age demonstrates maturity and resilience to stress.”
Both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the rapid development of relations between the two nations, stating that it benefited the peoples of both China and Russia and helped create a better future for the world.
Putin and Xi met in person twice in 2022. In February, Putin visited Beijing during the Olympic games hosted by the Chinese capital. In September, they both participated in a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.