Russia's Putin says world conflicts 'strengthen' ties with China
The Hindu
Russia's Putin and China's Xi meet in Beijing to celebrate deepening ties, condemn Israel-Gaza conflict. Putin: Global conflicts strengthen Russian-Chinese cooperation. Xi: Political mutual trust deepening, close and effective strategic coordination. Putin: Conflict needs to end as soon as possible.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that world conflicts "strengthen" his country's relations with China, after talks with Xi Jinping that celebrated their nations' deepening political and economic ties.
Mr. Putin, on his first trip to a major global power since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, met his "old friend" Mr. Xi in Beijing on the sidelines of a major forum in an event overshadowed by conflict in the Middle East.
At a press conference following the talks, Mr. Putin said that global turmoil served to bring China and Russia even closer together.
"All these outside factors are common threats and they strengthen Russian-Chinese cooperation," he said.
The Russian leader also said he had "optimism" for the future of the relationship.
Mr. Xi, too, said that "political mutual trust between the two countries is continuously deepening", according to Xinhua news agency, hailing their "close and effective strategic coordination".
Mr. Xi noted that he had met with Mr. Putin 42 times in the past decade, saying they had "developed a good working relationship and a deep friendship".
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