President Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet for President Putin when the Russian leader arrived in Beijing earlier on Friday. The trip underscores the value of the countries' relationship. Our reporter Su Yuting has more.

President Xi Jinping has hosted a welcoming ceremony for his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. New innovative arrangements to the ceremony, such as an increased number of honor guards and more instruments in the military band, reflect the respect China has for foreign countries.

And for Russia, as President Xi Jinping put it, it emphasizes the mature, secure and solid friendship between the two countries. During talks with President Putin, President Xi said no matter how the international situation changes, China and Russia will support each other's core interests. Through deeper cooperation and joint participation in global governance, they will work to establish a new type of international relations, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

President Xi also emphasized that both China and Russia are members of the United Nations Security Council. As such, the two should uphold the principles of the UN Charter to defend the international order, and use the Qingdao SCO Summit as a chance to further carry out the principles of the Shanghai Spirit, boosting regional security and development.

President Putin said Russia is willing to deepen cooperation with China in the fields of trade and investment, energy, and infrastructure. He also said Russia looks forward to achieving more results from the integration of China-proposed Belt & Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, led by Russia.

After the meeting, the two leaders met the press, signed a joint communique and witnessed the signing of several deals.

SU YUTING BEIJING "This is Russian President Vladimir Putin's first visit to China during his new presidential term and also the first meeting between these two heads of state this year. Officials say the visit is of great significance to the development of China-Russia ties. Su Yuting, CGTN, Beijing."