Video Call With Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin Calls The Best Russian-China Relations In History

President Putin's video call with President Xi Jinping. (Source: Kremlin)

JAKARTA - Relations between Moscow and Beijing have passed all tests. Their significance grew with the backdrop of soaring geopolitical tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping via video link on Friday.

"In the context of increasing geopolitical tensions, the importance of Russia-Chingkok strategic partnerships as a stabilizing factor is increasing," President Putin said, noting relations between the two countries show maturity, stability and continue to develop dynamically.

"This (Russia-Chingkok) link is the best in history and represents a model of cooperation between great powers in the 21st century," he praised.

The Russian leader congratulated his Chinese counterpart on the success of the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (constructed in Beijing in October), as well as for President Xi's re-electing as Secretary General of the CPC Central Committee.

"Under your leadership and with the CPC playing a major role, the country's sustainable socio-economic development is ensured. Its achievement in the world is getting stronger," said President Putin.

President Putin further recalled that throughout 2022 Russia and China maintain regular dialogue.

"We had a thorough discussion as Beijing hosted the Olympics and on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Samarkand and repeatedly spoke by telephone," he explained.

On the occasion, President Putin also expressed his wait for a meeting with President Xi on a state visit to Moscow in Spring 2023.

"I have no doubt that you and I will find the opportunity to meet in person. Dear Mr. President, my friend, we look forward to seeing you on a state visit to Moscow next Spring," President Putin said.

He added that this visit "will show the world the strength of Russia-Chingkok relations on key issues and become the main political event of the year in bilateral relations."