China’s President Xi Jinping told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in talks at the Kremlin that he was “convinced” that Putin enjoyed the Russian people’s support ahead of a presidential election scheduled for next year.
“I know that next year there will be another presidential election in your country. Thanks to your strong leadership, Russia has made significant progress in achieving the prosperity of the country in recent years. I am sure that the Russian people will strongly support you in your good endeavours,” reports Al Jazeera
Xi also called Putin his “dear friend”, and Putin used the same term with his guest.
He also thanked Putin for what he said was his support for China and said that Beijing should have close relations with Moscow.
Putin told Xi that he had looked at China’s proposals for a resolution of the Ukraine conflict and that he viewed them with respect.
Speaking at informal talks at the start of Xi’s state visit to Moscow, Putin also said that Russia was “slightly envious” of China’s rapid development in recent decades.
Putin welcomes Xi Jinping to Moscow for a state visit and says the pair will discuss Beijing’s Ukraine peace proposal.
Ukraine and the United Kingdom have called on the Chinese leader to use his influence and press Moscow to end the war.
Russia’s Investigative Committee opens a criminal case against the International Criminal Court prosecutor and judges who have issued an arrest warrant for Putin.
If the Black Sea grain deal is not extended in May, Putin says Russia would provide grain to African countries for free.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
