Putin believes that Xi’s visit will give a fresh impetus

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit will give a fresh impetus to bilateral relations. “I am confident that your visit will give a new strong impetus to the development of Russian-Chinese relations,” he said at the talks with Xi on Friday. Over the past years “we have done much for building bilateral relations in all directions,” Putin said. “Our relations are an important factor of the global policy, bilateral trade and direct contacts between people increase, we conduct large-scale humanitarian campaigns,” he said. “All this meets interests of China and Russia.” Putin also sincerely congratulated Xi upon his election as Chinese president. “We are grateful that you have taken a decision to pay your first foreign visit to our country,” he said. “This proves what attention China and Russia pay to the development of bilateral relations.” Xi said in turn that the main goal of his visit to Russia is “further enhancement of relations, development of comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership.” He agreed with Putin’s assessment, which he had given in an interview with Itar-Tass, that at present, Russian-Chinese relations experience their best period. “I believe that today we will thoroughly exchange opinions on all issues on the bilateral agenda,” Xi said.