President Xi Jinping told Russian President Vladimir Putin that China-Russia relations today have not come easily and should be cherished and cared for by both sides, state media said on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks when the two leaders met in Beijing, where he said China will be a good neighbour to Russia.

"On this new journey, China will always be a good neighbour, friend and partner of mutual trust with Russia, and further consolidate the friendship of the people of the two countries," he said.

"China is ready to work together with Russia to achieve development and rejuvenation of our countries and uphold world equality and justice."

Putin is in China for a two-day state visit. He was greeted by officials and an honour guard as he got off his plane in Beijing in the small hours of Thursday.

Later in the morning, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Putin at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People.

During their meeting, Putin said: "Russia-China cooperation is not directed against any other power and is a stabilising factor for the world."

This is Putin's first trip abroad since his March re-election, and the second in just over six months to China.

Before his visit, Putin, in an interview with Xinhua News Agency, had praised Xi for helping to build a strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow based on national interests and deep mutual trust.

On Ukraine, Putin said: “We are open to a dialogue on Ukraine, but such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including ours.”

“We are seeking a comprehensive, sustainable and just settlement of this conflict through peaceful means."

China has been involved in efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia. (Agencies)
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Last updated: 2024-05-16 HKT 13:05