Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation yesterday to strengthen and discuss the further development of their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. An official statement from the President of Russia said that both leaders explored ways to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors, including economy, trade, investment, and culture, among others. According to the statement, President Putin briefed President Xi on recent Russia-US talks, and Xi expressed support for the dialogue and China’s willingness to help resolve the Ukraine conflict peacefully.

The leaders also reviewed upcoming high-level meetings, including celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.