Xi: Firm Russia-China relations guarantee for international balance, peace

Firm relations between Russia and China are an important and reliable guarantee for the international balance and peace, Chinese President Xi Jinping said when speaking at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) on Saturday. He said it was great pleasure for him to visit MGIMO. The university with its high scientific achievements and noted teachers is known all over the world. Many prominent people came out from the university, he added. \"Russia is a good neighbour of China,\" he said. The president noted Russia was the first country he visted on his international trip after he took office as president. Xi said he had productive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday and attended the \"Year of Chinese Tourism in Russia\" opening ceremony. Their meetings lasted seven hours, he noted. Spring comes in March, and nature is renewed. It is time for sowing. People say spring is crucial time of the year, he noted. \"Let us work to consolidate our bilateral relations for the sake of peace in the entire world, to gather a rich harvest in the autumn,\" the president said.