As the international situation has become increasingly turbulent since the beginning of the year, Xi called on China and Russia to work together to maintain global strategic stability.

He emphasized that as responsible major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia have the obligation to encourage the international community to uphold fairness and justice, firmly safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, and resolutely defend the UN-centered international system and the basic norms of international law.

The leaders' virtual meeting followed a meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu in Beijing on Sunday. China and Russia held a new round of strategic stability consultation in Beijing on Tuesday.

Putin spoke positively about the development of Russia-China relations in the past year, and said that looking ahead to the new year, Russia is full of confidence in the development of bilateral ties.

He said that both sides should continue to unwaveringly support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty and security, achieve economic and social development and prosperity, and promote cultural and educational exchanges to benefit the people of both countries.

Facing the complex and changing international situation, Putin said that Russia is willing to continue strengthening strategic coordination with China on multilateral platforms such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, in order to inject positive energy into international affairs.

Russia will actively support China in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, he added.

The two heads of state also had an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional hotspot issues of mutual concern.

caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn