Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that he is ready to continue building bilateral relations in the right direction of development, as well as to develop new plans for cooperation in all areas.
"Mr. President, this is your first foreign visit since the beginning of the new presidential term, which is a convincing evidence of the attention that you personally and the Russian government pay to Chinese-Russian relations, we highly appreciate it," Xi said at a meeting with Putin in Beijing, adding "Mr. President, I am ready to work with you to keep our bilateral relations in the right direction of development and develop new plans for cooperation in all areas."
He added that China and Russia protect the system of international relations with the central role of the UN and the world order based on international law.
"Both sides firmly defend the system of international relations with the central role of the United Nations, and the world order based on international law, closely coordinated and cooperated within multilateral formats such as the UN, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the G20," Xi said.
China and Russia will work together to make a proper contribution to global security and stability, Xi added.
The Chinese president also said that China and Russia believe that a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis is the right path, and Beijing's position on this issue remains unchanged.
"Both sides believe that a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis is the right direction, and China's position on this issue has always been clear and consistent," Xi emphasized.
The Cold War mentality, block confrontation and power politics that still persist threaten the security of all countries, the Chinese president said, adding that it is necessary to adhere to impartiality and fairness, and to be committed to promoting political settlement of sensitive issues.
"China hopes for the speedy restoration of peace and stability on the European continent and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard," Xi said.