Xi Visits Russia: China, Russia agree to tighten their relationship

World
Europe

02:33

China and Russia have agreed to enhance their relationship in what's being called a 'comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era'. The move to cement economic ties was made in talks between President Xi Jinping and his counterpart Vladimir Putin during Xi's first day of a state visit to Russia. Our reporter Wang Hui has details.

The red carpet was rolled out for visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping. It's his eighth time in six years to land on Russian soil since becoming president.

As Beijing and Moscow celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties, Xi and Putin vowed to bring relations to a new level at a time of increased friction with the U.S..

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "The 70th anniversary is a milestone and a new starting point, especially with our involvement in an unprecedented transformation of the global environment. We have to bear with the high expectations of those abroad. Our friendship will be ever-lasting and will only get better with time."

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "I give my deepest gratitude to President Xi Jinping for his role in our nations' bilateral ties. He has taken it to an unprecedented high level, which has become beneficial to the people of both our countries."

Along with senior officials from both countries, the two leaders agreed to move forward to strengthen their alliance.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "We have decided to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era."

The two presidents signed joint statements on developing their relationship and strengthening global strategic stability. A number of investment and trade deals were also signed.

The two leaders attended some cultural events later in the day, including the opening ceremony of the panda house at the Moscow Zoo and a gala celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

WANG HUI MOSCOW "Six year ago, when Xi first visited Russia as president, he quoted a Russian proverb: 'For a big ship, a big voyage.' Six years later, he is calling for concerted efforts by China and Russia to foster their relationship as if it were a vessel, big and strong enough to steer its way through the ever-changing seas of international relations. Wang Hui, CGTN, Moscow, Russia."