BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 16, praising ties between the two countries as “conducive to peace” and promising to further strengthen cooperation.

This is Putin’s first overseas trip since he was elected president in March and was elected for a fifth term, and his first visit to China since October last year.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, during the meeting, Xi called Putin an “old friend” and said that “Sino-Russian relations are not only in the fundamental interests of both countries, but also conducive to peace.”

He added, “China is ready to work with Russia to work toward establishing fairness and justice in the world,” and added, “Today’s Sino-Russian relations were achieved only after great difficulties, and we must cherish and nurture these relations.”

In a Russian television interview, Putin said the relationship was a “stabilizing factor on the international stage” and that it was “not opportunistic, nor confrontational.”

The footage was shot by the All-Russia State Television and Radio Company (VGTRK). (c)AFP/James EDGAR / Oliver HOTHAM