"This is my eighth trip to Russia since 2013," Xi told the journalists, who gathered at the Kremlin on Wednesday.
According to the Chinese leader's stats, he and Putin "have met almost thirty times over the past six years."
Russia is the most visited foreign state for me and President Putin is my closest friend and a good colleague.The mutual understanding between the two heads of state is reflected in the "high level" of bilateral ties and strategic cooperation between Beijing and Moscow, Xi said. The Chinese leader added that his Wednesday with Putin also went on in "a very frank and friendly atmosphere."
During Xi's visit, it was agreed that Russia and China will step away from the US dollar and develop bilateral trade in national currencies - the ruble and the yuan, respectively. A range of major deals in the peaceful atom, investment, and scientific cooperation have also been inked.
Comment: These statements by Xi should really come as no surprise. In addition to the constructive leadership qualities of both men, they both share a positive and shared vision of cooperation, growth and stability for their respective countries. And they both have a shared enemy...
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