Mr. Tap, Mr. Putin call each other 'close friends'

According to RIA Novosti news agency, at the beginning of the meeting, President Putin congratulated Mr. Xi Jinping on his re-election as President of China for a third term and said that the people of the 'billion-people country' have great confidence in what Mr. Xi has done over the past decade. The Russian President called the Chinese President a "close friend", according to Reuters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting. Photo: RIA Novosti

“We have many common tasks and common goals. In recent years, China has made a huge leap forward in its development. For the whole world, this is truly remarkable and we are even somewhat envious of China’s development,” Putin said.

The Kremlin chief later said that Moscow had carefully considered and respected the initiatives in the 12-point peace plan announced by Beijing late last month regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

“However, we must point out a number of factors that are preventing a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. These include Kiev and a number of Western countries’ resolute opposition to a ceasefire in any form. In addition, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree banning negotiations with Russia,” the Kremlin chief added.

Mr. Xi Jinping holds talks with Russian President Putin. Photo: RIA Novosti

Xi also called Putin a “close friend.” The Chinese president said that Beijing always attaches importance to developing relations with Moscow, especially when Russia and China “are each other’s largest neighboring countries.” “Russia and China are comprehensive strategic partners. This will determine how close the relationship between the two countries should be,” the Chinese leader affirmed.

Mr Xi then expressed his views on the presidential election to be held in Russia in 2024, saying that the Russian people would continue to strongly support Mr Putin.

“Thanks to the strong leadership of Mr. President, Russia has made great progress in development in recent years. I am sure that the people will strongly support you for such good efforts,” Mr. Xi emphasized.

According to RIA Novosti, President Putin hosted a banquet in honor of Xi Jinping on the evening of March 20 (Moscow time). It is expected that the main discussions between the two leaders on many important issues will take place today (March 21).