Putin Tells Xi Russia-China Relations Are At Their ‘Best’

The two leaders met in the Kazakh capital Astana for a summit of a Eurasian security and defense club. Putin also met with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the sidelines of the event.

Alongside Russia and China, four Central Asian states, India, Iran and Pakistan are members of the SCO.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also expected to make an appearance.

Russia and China have deepened their political, military and economic ties since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

What did the two leaders say?

Putin hailed the SCO as “strengthening its role as one of the key pillars of a fair multipolar world order” in opening remarks during a meeting with Xi.

“Russian-Chinese relations, our comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, are experiencing their best period in history,” Putin said. 

For his part, Xi called Putin his “old friend” and said Sino-Russian relations were at a “high level.”

“In the face of the turbulent international situation and external environment, the two sides should continue to uphold the original aspiration of friendship for generations to come,” Xi said.

Putin, Erdogan discuss end to Ukraine war

Putin also met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the SCO in Astana. 

The Turkish leader said Ankara could help establish a basis to end the Ukraine-Russia war. He added that a fair peace suiting the two sides was possible.

Putin and Erdogan also discussed the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, as well as ways to end the conflict in Syria, according to a Turkish presidency statement.