Xi, Putin discuss ties, Korean Peninsula

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed bilateral ties and the situation on the Korean Peninsula in a telephone conversation Saturday.

Xi said the current China-Russia relationship is advancing to a higher level.

The two sides are actively implementing the important consensus and agreements reached at the leaders' summit in Moscow in March, Xi said.

High-level exchanges between Russia and China are becoming more frequent and cooperation between the two nations in the fields of investment, energy, culture, law enforcement, security, etc has gained positive headway, Xi said.

Beijing and Moscow have also conducted closer coordination and collaboration on international affairs, Xi said, adding that China supports Russia in hosting the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Xi said he cherishes his personal friendship and mutual trust with President Putin.

China is ready to maintain close communication and cooperation with Russia on bilateral ties and major international and regional issues in the spirit of comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Xi also briefed Putin on reconstruction efforts in Sichuan province's Lushan County after a strong earthquake jolted the region in April. Xi also once again voiced gratitude to Putin for Russia's support and aid.

Putin, on his part, said Russia-China ties have reached an unprecedented high in terms of the level of mutual trust and quality of cooperation.

The Russian president said that Xi's state visit to Russia in March strongly promoted bilateral ties.

To push forward Russia-China relations has long-term strategic bearings, Putin said.

Russia is willing to make joint efforts with China to put into action the main fruits of Xi's visit, he said.

Putin said he highly values the constructive friendly relationship between the two heads of state and is ready to continue regular exchanges with Xi, hoping to meet the Chinese president again during the G-20 summit in St. Petersburg later this year.

Putin wished China's construction cause smooth development.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula.