Putin expects to speak with Xi Jinping during the BRICS meeting in October

Russian President Vladimir Putin expects to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. This will happen during the BRICS summit in October in Kazan, TASS reported.

Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, Putin has sought support from the Chinese leader, with the two increasing trade to record highs.

"As agreed, we are expecting President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China at the BRICS summit. I suggest that we hold a bilateral working meeting during this event," said the Russian head of state in a meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.

The BRICS group, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, represents almost half of the world's population.

The group will hold a high-level meeting in the Russian city of Kazan from October 22 to 24. The Kremlin hopes this will be an opportunity to expand its influence and create closer economic alliances.

Moscow and Beijing oppose "Western hegemony," especially what they see as US dominance in world affairs. The two countries declared a "borderless" partnership shortly before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine.
Putin said last month that Russia's economic and trade ties with China were "yielding results." | BGNES