Xi, Putin cruise Neva River in Putin's hometown St. Petersburg

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01:04

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met again on Thursday in St. Petersburg, one day after the two countries upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

Putin, born in St. Petersburg, invited Xi to take a boat cruise with him on the Neva River and welcomed the Chinese president to visit his hometown again.

Xi said he was very glad to come to Putin's hometown, hailing the city as the "pride" of Russia and the Russian people.

The two leaders are in the northwestern Russian city for the 23rd St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The Neva River in St. Petersburg, Russia. /VCG Photo

Xi says China, Russia ushering in new era as they mark 70 years of diplomatic ties

They talked about St. Petersburg's history and presence and agreed to boost people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Russia. Putin said he welcomes more Chinese tourists to visit Russia and St. Petersburg.

After the cruise, Xi and Putin held talks at the Winter Palace. Both China and Russia are at important historical stages for their development and national rejuvenation, Xi noted, calling on the two countries to deepen strategic coordination to not only protect their own interests, but also safeguard basic norms and justice in international relations and maintain peace, security and stability across the globe.

The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. /VCG Photo

The Russian president said amid growing complexity and volatility in today's world, the two countries need to step up efforts to consolidate and deepen political mutual trust, enhance coordination and collaboration in international affairs, and safeguard basic norms governing international law and international relations.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the China-Russia diplomatic ties. Xi is on a three-day state visit to Russia starting on Wednesday.

It is not Xi's first visit to St. Petersburg. In September 2013, the Chinese president attended the eighth Group of 20 (G20) summit in the Russian city.

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin take a boat cruise on the Neva River in St. Petersburg, Russia, June 6, 2019. /CGTN Screenshot)