China and Russia have called for deeper collaboration on development strategy and peace efforts on the Ukraine crisis.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, met with Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the United Russia party, in Beijing on Thursday.

During the meeting, Xi highlighted the achievements of China-Russia relations over the past 75 years, emphasizing that the two countries have forged a new path of mutual respect, harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation as major neighbors. Xi expressed China's readiness to deepen alignment of development strategies with Russia, further explore cooperation potential and bring tangible benefits to both nations and their peoples.

Xi also called for closer collaboration between China and Russia within multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He underscored the importance of upholding the UN-centered international system, practicing genuine multilateralism and promoting a fairer and more equitable international order.

Noting the long-standing partnership between the CPC and the United Russia party, Xi urged both parties to enhance coordination and cooperation to guide global governance in the right direction and foster greater consensus among political parties worldwide, particularly in Global South countries, to drive global development toward a positive trajectory. 

On the Ukraine crisis, Xi reiterated China's stance, emphasizing three key principles: avoiding spillover effects, preventing escalation and refraining from actions that further fuel the conflict. He reaffirmed China's commitment to facilitating de-escalation and creating conditions for a political resolution. 

Medvedev delivered a personal letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Xi, praising the robust relationship between the two countries. He pledged Russia's commitment to implementing the consensus reached by the two leaders and advancing strategic cooperation. He also emphasized United Russia party's commitment to deeper cooperation with the CPC.

He commended China's position on the Ukraine crisis, acknowledging the "Friends of Peace" group initiative proposed by China, Brazil and other countries. He expressed Russia's willingness to actively support efforts for a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis.