Xi, Putin agree to enhance strategic coordination

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, September 3, 2017. Putin is in Xiamen to attend the ninth BRICS summit. [Photo: Xinhua/Liu Weibing]

Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Xiamen, calling for enhancing mutual support and strategic coordination.

The two leaders have also agreed to appropriately deal with the latest nuclear test conducted by North Korea.

CRI's Yu Yang has the story.

Chinese President Xi Jinping says the two sides should consolidate their mutual political trust and support, while also enhancing strategic coordination.

"We hope that the two sides make joint effort and consolidate cooperation to send out positive signals to the world, chart the course and define the priorities for cooperation based on the overall situation. In addition to promoting respective development, we will also contribute to the peace and development of the world at large," President Xi said.

The Chinese leader has urged advancing the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union.

He says mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples should be promoted through closer people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The president also says China is willing to join hands with Russia to raise bilateral relations to a higher level.

Vladimir Putin says it is significant for China and Russia to strengthen their partnership and boost communication and coordination on major international and regional issues.

He says Russia stands ready for closer cooperation with China in such areas as investment, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and aerospace and aviation.

"This is our fourth meeting this year. During your visit to Russia this July, we had a comprehensive discussion on all aspects of the bilateral relations. I am very glad to meet you again today to further enhance the cooperation plan drawn up by both sides," Putin said.

While discussing international and regional issues, the two leaders have agreed to appropriately deal with North Korea's latest nuclear test.

Xi Jinping and Putin have agreed to stick to the goal of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and keep close communication and coordination to deal with the new situation.

After the meeting, the two leaders visited an exhibition on intangible cultural heritage originated from Fujian Province. 

Putin is in the coastal city of Xiamen, Fujian Province, to attend the ninth BRICS summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries scheduled for September 3 to 5.