Chinese President Xi Jinpingon an official visit to Russiaannounced today that he invited him Vladimir Putin visit her China this year, as a sign of the ties that unite the two countries amid tensions with the West.

“Yesterday, I invited President Putin to come to China this year whenever he can,” Xi said during a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, according to Russian news agencies.

It is noted that the Chinese president was received in the Kremlin on Monday by his Russian colleague, and this visit caused the same expectations from the Russian side and the same fears in the West.

“Dear friends”

Vladimir Putin called Xi Jinping “dear friend,” and the Chinese president answered the call, emphasizing that China and Russia should have close ties. After all, one of the first statements by Xi Jinping, who set foot on Russian soil, was that he expected deepening of the already close relations between Moscow and Beijing.

The Russian president told his Chinese counterpart that he had been briefed on Beijing’s proposals for peace in Ukraine and that, in fact, he treated them with due respect.

“envy” of Putin.

At the same time, Vladimir Putin, as host, said he was “somewhat envious” of China’s rapid growth in recent decades.

“China has created a very effective system for developing the economy and strengthening the state. This is much more efficient than in many other countries,” the Russian President said.

In response, Xi Jinping told Vladimir Putin that he knew that 2024 was an election year in Russia and that he was convinced that the Russian president had the support of the Russian people.

“Thanks to your strong leadership, Russia has made significant progress in recent years in achieving the prosperity of the country. I am sure that the Russian people will strongly support your good deeds.”

^{According to APE – MEB, Reuters, AFP}