President of Russia Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with the Minister of Defense of China Li Shangfu in Moscow and welcomed the military cooperation between the two countries, which announced a partnership “without borders”.

In footage released by the Kremlin, Putin shakes hands with Lee before they sit down to eat. Minister of Defense of Russia Sergei Shoigu also attended.

“The development of relations between our peoples is going well in all areas – economic, social, cultural and educational, as well as in the military sphere,” Putin said.

“We regularly exchange useful information, cooperate in the field of military-technical cooperation and conduct joint exercises,” he added, adding that the forces of the Navy, Air Force and the Army participated in these exercises in the Far East and Europe.

“Certainly, this is another critical area that enhances the strategic importance of our relations,” the Russian president said.

It was Li’s first overseas visit since taking office last month. His USA imposed sanctions V 2018 on the occasion of the purchase of fighter jets and equipment from a Russian company for the export of weapons systems Rosoboronexport.

“In recent years, cooperation between Russia and China in the military-technical sphere has been developing very well,” the Chinese minister replied to Putin, noting that this fact contributes to strengthening regional security.

“We have very strong ties that go beyond Cold War-era military-political alliances,” and they are “very stable,” he added, according to a Russian television translation of his speech.

Beijing has been announcing Li’s visit since last week, saying he was to meet with defense ministry officials, but without mentioning Putin.

Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Putin in Moscow.

Reuters