On the afternoon of March 20 local time, President Xi Jinping, who had just arrived in Moscow, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin at request.

When Xi Jinping arrived, the commander of the Kremlin greeted him at the drop-off place. President Putin warmly shook hands with Xi Jinping and took a group photo. The two heads of state had in-depth and candid exchanges on China-Russia relations and issues of common concern.

Xi Jinping pointed out that it is a great pleasure to pay another state visit to Russia at the invitation of President Putin. Ten years ago, I chose Russia for my first overseas visit after taking office as President, which is still fresh in my memory. For ten years, I have maintained close contact with President Putin. Whether I was re-elected as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, or was re-elected as the President of China not long ago, you sent me a congratulatory message as soon as possible. I am deeply grateful. Russia will hold presidential elections next year. Under your strong leadership, the development and revitalization of Russia has made great progress. I firmly believe that the Russian people will continue to give you firm support.