MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday told visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping he was ready to discuss China’s Ukraine peace proposal.
“We are always open to talks,” Putin told Xi. “We will certainly discuss all these crucial issues, including your initiatives which we of course treat with respect.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed his country’s “close ties” with Russia during his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin during a three-day state visit.
Xi Jinping hails close ties with Russia
“We are partners in comprehensive strategic cooperation. It is this status that determines that there should be close ties between our countries,” the Chinese leader said, according to translated remarks carried by Russian state television.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin began talks on Monday, with the two expected to discuss the Ukraine conflict.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin were to discuss China’s propositions to stop the war in Ukraine.
Beijing state media reported Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow by plane for the meeting, which is to discuss China’s 12-point position paper calling for talks and respect for all countries’ territorial sovereignty.
“Issues raised in Beijing’s peace plan for Ukraine will be touched upon during the talks. Comprehensive explanations will be given by President Vladimir Putin” of Russia’s position, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Putin has welcomed China’s statements on Ukraine as being indicative of playing a “constructive role” in ending the Ukraine conflict while saying Russian-Chinese relations were at the highest point.
