Russia, China strengthening coordination in global affairs: Putin

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that relations between Russia and China are "an example of how relations between countries should be built," adding that both countries are strengthening coordination in global affairs.

Speaking during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia's city of Kazan, Putin said despite the severe external pressure the two countries continue increasing the bilateral trade, and develop ties in many other sectors.

The relations between the two countries have equal, and mutually respectful character, with Moscow and Beijing strengthening coordination in global affairs, he stated.

For his part, Xi said the Russian-Chinese relations are not directed against the third countries, and the global shifts cannot affect the friendship between Moscow and Beijing.

The talks in Kazan marked the third face-to-face meeting between the heads of Russia and China this year. In May, Putin paid a state visit to China, and in July, he met with Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Astana.