“Unlike some countries that enforce their hegemony and bring discord (…), our governments focus on building bridges. We are the balance in the international arena,” Putin emphasized in an interview with the Chinese newspaper People’s Daily as a prelude to his dialogue with Xi Jinping.

Putin highlighted the impressive progress of bilateral relations developed to the highest level in their history and which continue to strengthen. “In terms of quality, our relations surpassed the political-military alliances of the Cold War, there is no leader nor follower, there are no restrictions or taboo subjects,” he stressed.

On the situation in Ukraine, he insisted that his government is open to a political-diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis; “in April 2022, the peace talks were by no means ended by us.”

He recognized China’s position in maintaining a balanced line with the events on Donbass, taking into account the background and reasons for the operation, he also thanked China’s leadership for playing a constructive role in the agreement for future peace.

Both leaders have held some 40 meetings, “both in official formats and we have communicated in an environment without bonds ,” Putin added.

According to the Russian leader, bilateral trade, including the growth of exchanges through national currencies, will exceed 200 billion dollars this year.

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