Putin and Xi welcomed the developing relationship between Moscow and Beijing

Finding a way out of the war in Ukraine and the development of bilateral relations between Moscow and Beijing were the dominant topics in the meeting between Xi Jinping and Putin.
The Russian president is on a two-day visit to the Chinese capital. This is his first visit abroad since he was re-elected in March.
In welcoming his Russian counterpart, Xi said that relations between China and Russia are "conducive to peace".
"Today's relations between China and Russia are hard-won, and both sides must protect and develop them. China is ready to work with Russia to uphold justice and fairness in the world," the Chinese president added.
Putin, in turn, noted that relations between the two countries are a "stabilizing factor on the international stage."
"Relations between Russia and China are not opportunistic and are not directed against anyone. Together, we stand for the principles of justice and a democratic world order that reflects multipolar realities and is based on international law," he stressed.
The war in Ukraine was a leading topic in the talks between the two presidents, who united around the need for a "political solution" to the conflict.
"Both sides agree that a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine is the right direction," Xi Jinping said.
The Russian head of state thanked his Chinese counterpart for his efforts to find a solution to the war in Ukraine.
"I will inform the President of the People's Republic of China about the situation surrounding the crisis in Ukraine. We are grateful to our Chinese friends and colleagues for the initiatives they are taking to resolve this problem," Putin said.
The Russian president has also criticized Western-led security alliances in the Asia-Pacific region, a matter of mutual concern in both Moscow and Beijing.
Putin described the "closed military-political alliances" in the region as "very harmful" and "counterproductive".
China has become Russia's most important political and economic partner since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Putin has welcomed these growing ties, despite what he has hinted at as Western attempts to drive a wedge between the two countries.
He stated that the share of bilateral trade carried out in rubles and yuan exceeded 90%.
"And it continues to grow, which means that mutual trade and investments are reliably protected from the influence of third countries," added the Russian leader.
Chinese exports to Russia have recently fallen following threats from the United States that Chinese companies and banks could be subject to attacks if they are judged to be helping Russia obtain sanctioned goods.
Russian media reported that a number of Chinese banks had suspended some transactions with Russian companies amid these concerns.
Without mentioning these problems, Putin indicated that Russian and Chinese banks and payment institutions will increase their contacts and cooperation.
After the closed-door meetings, the two leaders signed a joint statement to deepen the "comprehensive strategic partnership" between their countries, state news agency Xinhua reported. /BGNES