Vladimir Putin tells Xi Jinping that he wants to ramp up military cooperation

Russian leader Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday he was keen to ramp up military cooperation and hailed the two countries efforts to counter Western influenceBattered by unprecedented Western sanctions over Moscows assault against Ukraine Putin wants to strengthen political economic and military ties with ChinaBut Moscows offensive in Ukraine is a sensitive issue for Beijing which has sought to position itself as neutral but has offered diplomatic backing to its strategic ally RussiaThe two leaders called each other friends as they both expressed interest in closer tiesWe aim to strengthen cooperation between the armed forces of Russia and China Putin told Xi by video link at the start of the talks calling the Chinese leader a dear friendThe Kremlin chief also hailed the efforts of Moscow and Beijing to counter unprecedented Western pressure and provocationsIn the context of growing geopolitical tensions the importance is growing of the RussianChinese strategic partnership as a stabilising factor Putin saidAlso Read Russia China hold naval drills practise submarine captureWe share the same views on the causes course and logic of the ongoing transformation of the global geopolitical landscape he addedAs the West seeks to cut reliance on Russian oil and gas Putin has looked to energy markets in AsiaRussia has become one of the leaders when it comes to oil exports to China Putin saidThe Russian leader said he was expecting Xi in Moscow on a state visit next springXi who also called Putin my friend said he was satisfied by the two countries growing tiesUnder our joint leadership the ChinaRussia comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction in the new era is showing maturity and resilience he said in translated comments released by the KremlinWe are ready to ramp up strategic cooperation with Russia give each other opportunities to develop be global partners for the benefit of the peoples of our countries and in the interests of stability in the world Xi saidReferring to a turbulent international situation CCTV Chinas state broadcaster said after the talks that China and Russia should strengthen strategic cooperationChina is ready to work with Russia and all progressive forces around the world to oppose unilateralism protectionism and bullying the broadcaster saidIt has been proved repeatedly that containment and suppression are unpopular and sanctions and interference are doomed to fail it addedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever