Edit: Ahmed Al-Kumi

Russian President Vladimir Putin today, at the beginning of virtual talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, stressed that Russia-China relations are a true model for relations between countries in the 21st century.

Using his discussions with his Chinese counterpart via video technology, Putin said: "I am pleased to speak with you through the direct line, which allows us to discuss extensively the evolution of Russian-Chinese relations, comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, and I consider these relations to be a true model of cooperation among States in the twenty-first century."

He added: "My dear friend, President Xi Jinping, I hope we can finally meet in person next February in Beijing, as we agreed to hold talks and then participate in the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics."

He noted that from January to November of this year, trade between the two countries increased by 31% to $123 billion, and that the record for pre-pandemic trade was already broken in 2019, and as agreed, we will reach $200 billion in the near future.

Previously, the Kremlin press office stated that the discussions "address the results of joint work to develop the Russian-Chinese Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021, priorities for future cooperation, as well as an exchange of views on pressing international and regional issues."