China-Russia Ties: Xi Jinping meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing

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Europe

02:18

A big honor for the Russian President as he begins his state visit to China. Vladimir Putin has just been awarded the Friendship Medal by Chinese President Xi Jinping -- the first time it's been presented. The two leaders stressed that the medal represents a mature, secure and solid friendship. Our reporter has more.

A gold medal for golden ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has awarded China's first Friendship Medal to Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, giving the country's highest mark of approval, in honor of Putin's contribution to China and the world.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "The Friendship Medal is the highest honor of China that awards our foreign friends who have made outstanding contributions to China's socialist modernization drives, promoted exchanges and cooperation between China and the world, and helped maintain world peace."

Calling Putin his most intimate friend, Xi also credited Putin for promoting the profound friendship between the two countries.

The Russian president expressed his gratitude.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "I would like to emphasize our sincerity in treasuring the good neighbourly and friendly relations with the People's Republic of China. We will make achievements together in political, economic, scientific, cultural and other fields."

This first state visit since beginning his new term in office is Putin's way of showing how much he values China-Russia relations.

The Russian president agreed that deepening the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership is a priority for Moscow, in the face of a complex international situation.

The two leaders also oversaw the signing of several agreements, including a joint $1 billion industrial investment fund.

Putin's state visit comes ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Qingdao. The Russian President will be on hand when the event opens on Saturday. CGTN.