Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping completed negotiations in the format of a video conference. The conversation between the two leaders began, according to the Central Television of China, at 11:07 Moscow time and lasted a little over an hour – until 12:21 Moscow time.

At the start of the online meeting, Putin waved his hand at his counterpart in greeting, calling Xi Jinping “his dear friend.” The Chinese leader responded with a similar gesture and a wide smile. Putin noted that the current meeting “makes it possible to thoroughly discuss the development of Russian-Chinese relations, comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction.”

The President called “these relations a real model of interstate cooperation in the 21st century.” According to him, a new model of interaction has been formed between the two countries, “based, among other things, on such principles as non-interference in internal affairs and respect for each other’s interests, determination to turn the common border into a belt of eternal peace and good neighborliness.” Putin added that close coordination by Russia and China of actions on the world stage and a responsible joint approach to solving pressing world problems have become a significant factor in stability in international relations.

The President of the Russian Federation also noted that Moscow and Beijing invariably support each other on issues of international sports cooperation, including rejection of any attempts to politicize sports and the Olympic movement. He expressed confidence that the upcoming Winter Olympic Games will be held at the highest level, “China knows how to do it.”