Xi Jinping: China is ready to continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the Ukrainian issue

news.cn: At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Russia on Monday on a state visit that will last until Wednesday.

On Monday afternoon, local time, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who arrived in Moscow on a state visit, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Xi Jinping noted that he was very glad to visit Russia again on a state visit at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. "After I assumed the post of President of the People's Republic of China ten years ago, I chose Russia as my first foreign trip, and I remember it well. I have been in close contact with President Vladimir Putin for the last ten years," he said.

"You sent me congratulations without delay when I was re-elected General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China, for which I am very grateful," the Chinese head of state noted. -- I know that the next presidential elections will be held in your country next year. Thanks to your strong leadership, Russia has made significant progress in the country's prosperity in recent years. I am sure that the Russian people will strongly support you in your good endeavors."

Xi Jinping stressed that the development of Sino-Russian relations today has its own deep historical logic. Bilateral relations occupy a priority place in the overall diplomatic situation and foreign policy of China and Russia, the largest neighbors and comprehensive partners in strategic cooperation. China has always pursued an independent foreign policy. Strengthening and developing Sino-Russian relations is a strategic choice made by China based on its fundamental interests and the general trend of global development. The general direction of strengthening strategic cooperation between China and Russia is unshakable. Both China and Russia are making efforts to implement national development, support multipolarity and promote the democratization of international relations. Both sides should further deepen practical cooperation in various fields, strengthen coordination and cooperation in the UN and other multilateral platforms, promote the development and revival of their countries, and be a pillar of peace and stability throughout the world.

Vladimir Putin warmly welcomed Xi Jinping and once again congratulated him on his re-election as President of the People's Republic of China. "In recent years, China has made a tremendous leap forward in its development. China has created a very effective system of economic development and strengthening of the state. I am sure that under your leadership, China will take further steps in its development and, of course, will achieve the goals that you set for yourself." According to him, thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, Russian-Chinese relations have achieved fruitful results in various fields in recent years. Russia is ready to further deepen bilateral practical cooperation with China, strengthen cooperation in international affairs, contribute to the multipolarization of the world and the democratization of international relations.

The parties held an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukrainian issue. Xi Jinping stressed that voices for peace and reason in the Ukrainian issue are growing, most countries are in favor of de-escalation of tensions, for peace and negotiations, and against adding fuel to the fire. History shows that conflicts must ultimately be resolved through dialogue and negotiations. Not so long ago, Beijing published a special document entitled "China's position on a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis," speaking out against the Cold War mentality and unilateral sanctions. According to him, the Chinese side believes "that the more difficult it is, the more we should leave the door open for peace; the more acute the contradictions, the more we should not give up efforts for dialogue." China is ready to continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the Ukrainian issue.

Vladimir Putin said that Russia appreciates that China has always adhered to a fair, tolerant and balanced position on major international issues, stands for honesty and justice. The Russian side has carefully studied the document on China's position, is open to peace talks and welcomes China's constructive role in this direction.

The two heads of state said they were looking forward to tomorrow's talks in order to outline a new plan for comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between China and Russia for the coming period.

Xi Jinping said at a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Tuesday that he had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit China this year to participate in the Third High-level Forum on International Cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road.

According to Xi Jinping, the invitation was made during his informal meeting with Vladimir Putin.

He noted that Vladimir Putin attended both previous High-level Forums on international cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road, saying that cooperation within the framework of this initiative is important for strengthening ties between the two countries.

This corresponds to the historical logic that Chinese leaders choose Russia as the main place for their foreign visits, Xi Jinping said, adding that China and Russia are each other's largest neighbors and partners in comprehensive strategic cooperation, and such relations have stood the test of profound changes in the world.

Xi Jinping also called for the continuation of regular meetings between the heads of government of China and Russia, also inviting M. Mishustin to visit China.