Xi hails ‘confident’ China-Russia ties as Putin welcomes ‘dear friend’ to Kremlin

Chinese leader describes talks as friendly and fruitful' during visit for Victory Day commemorations

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin exchanged warm words in the Kremlin on Thursday during a grand ceremony welcoming the Chinese leader for his 11th visit to Russia, ahead of a military parade to mark 80 years since the end of the second world war.

After nearly four hours of talks, Xi described his meeting with his Russian counterpart as in-depth, friendly and fruitful".