Chinese Foreign Ministry called talks between Putin and Xi Jinping frank

Negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were “frank, friendly and deep.” This was stated by the official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Mao Ning, transmits TASS.

“The parties exchanged views on practical cooperation in bilateral relations, international multilateral cooperation and joint implementation of the One Belt, One Road initiative,” she said.

Putin was on an official visit to China on October 17-18. The Russian leader took part in the III International Forum “One Belt – One Road”, and also held negotiations with Chinese President Xi Jinping and a number of other leaders who participated in the forum.

During a press conference in Beijing, Putin statedthat security threats in the world are strengthening Russian-Chinese relations, and revealed details of the conversation with the Chinese leader. The negotiations lasted three hours, during which time the leaders discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including economics, finance, political interaction and joint work on international platforms. The aggravation of the situation in the Middle East and the Ukrainian conflict were also touched upon.

After a business lunch in a limited format, Xi Jinping invited Putin to talk “face to face.” According to the president, “over a cup of tea” the leaders discussed issues of a “completely confidential nature” for another one and a half to two hours.