Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) (Photo: Ria Novosti)

Putin said that the good neighborly relations between Russia and China are at an all-time high.

Xi emphasized that the two sides “should intensify strategic coordination, safeguard their respective national sovereignty, security and development interests and resolutely oppose interference in internal affairs by external forces.”

While exchanging views on the situation in the Middle East, the leaders spoke in favor of a political and diplomatic settlement of the Palestinian problem within the generally recognized international legal framework.

They congratulated each other for reaching a record trade volume of 227.7 billion USD in 2023, surpassing a target of 200 billion USD set by the two leaders a year ahead of schedule.