Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged China and Russia to constantly uphold the unique value of Sino-Russian relations and explore the internal driving force of bilateral cooperation.
Xi said this during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 24th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Xi recalled Putin's state visit to China in May to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, noting that they had jointly worked out important plans for the future development of bilateral relations.
He also said that in the face of an international situation full of turbulence and change, the two countries should continue to uphold the original aspiration of lasting friendship and stick to their commitment to bring benefits to the people.
The two countries should also make efforts to protect their legitimate rights and interests and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations, Xi said.
The Chinese President added that he looks forward to in-depth talks with Putin and other heads of state on cooperation within the CSO to promote the stable and long-term development of the organization and build a closer CSO community with a shared future.
Putin said that Russian-Chinese relations are at the highest historical level and are characterised by mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
He added that these relations serve the well-being of the people of both countries, are non-aligned and are not directed against any third party,
Russia supports China in protecting its fundamental interests and legitimate rights and opposes the interference of external forces in China's internal affairs and interference in matters concerning the South China Sea, Putin said.
In view of the fact that China is going to take over the rotating presidency of the CSO, Putin said that Russia will fully support China's work and that together with other member states it will continuously strengthen the international influence of the organization, maintain regional peace and security and move the international system in a more just and reasonable direction.
Russia, as the current rotating BRICS chair, also expects to strengthen communication and cooperation with China on BRICS cooperation, Putin added.
The two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common interest. Xi said that China always stands on the right side of history, insists on promoting peace and negotiation, and is willing to continue to make positive efforts for a political solution to regional hotspots such as the Ukraine crisis.
(Contributed by Xinhua News Agency)
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