President Xi expressed his desire to work with President Putin to develop plans for bilateral relations and substantive cooperation. Xi said bilateral cooperation will soon bring results and the two sides are still bringing bilateral cooperation to new heights. President Putin said he believes cooperation between the two countries will continue to expand. The two leaders discussed the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project to transport gas from Russia to China via Mongolia, with a capacity of 50 billion cubic meters per year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

After their talk, the two leaders signed a joint statement on strengthening the Russia-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. On the Ukraine issue, the two said the principles of the United Nations Charter must be observed and international law must be respected.

Russia and China oppose any country or group of countries seeking any military, political or other advantage to the detriment of the legitimate security interests of other countries. Russia reaffirmed its commitment to resuming of peace talks with Ukraine as soon as possible. 

Both sides agreed that to settle the Ukraine crisis, the legitimate security concerns of all countries must be respected, and bloc confrontation should be avoided. They agreed that responsible dialogue is the best way to reach an appropriate solution. To this end, the international community should provide support to any constructive efforts. The two called for an end to actions that heighten tensions and prolong the fighting, and said they oppose unilateral sanctions not authorized by the UN Security Council.

Earlier, at a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Xi said it is necessary to resume regular contact between the heads of government of Russia and China. Mishustin accepted the invitation to visit China.