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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Minister, friends, good afternoon and welcome to Moscow. I am very glad to see you again.

There is no need for us to speak in general terms about the character of our relations. We have noted many times that they are of an unprecedented close nature, close in all senses of the word, both economically and politically.

This year, we are planning a series of meetings with the President of the People's Republic of China. In June, the SCO Summit will be held in China, so I will pay a visit to the country. Then a series of meetings on the sidelines of major events, including BRICS, the G20 and APEC. And of course, we will communicate as needed at any time.

First of all, to begin our conversation today, I would like to congratulate you and all the Chinese people on the successful conclusion of a very important event – the National People's Congress, where a number of decisions that are very important for the development of the People's Republic of China were adopted.

We are sure that all these decisions will benefit the Chinese people, help strengthen Chinese statehood and make China even more stable and prosperous.

I would like to express my hope that after the Russian presidential election, and after the important domestic political events in the People's Republic of China, we will continue our policy of strengthening bilateral ties and friendly relations.

I am very glad to see you. Welcome to Russia!

Special Envoy of the President of the People’s Republic of China, Member of the Chinese State Council and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (retranslated):Thank you very much, Your Excellency, Mr President.

Despite your busy schedule, you took the time to meet with me. This time, as a special envoy of President Xi Jinping, I have arrived in Russia to personally report to you on our approaches to issues of mutual interest.

Recently, Russian Kemerovo suffered from a deadly fire that resulted in significant loss of life. As friends of Russia, we took it to heart. We mourn with the Russian people. The President instructed me once again to convey the deepest sympathies of the Chinese people.

Let me also once again convey to you the sincere congratulations of President Xi Jinping on your re-election as President. You won with a record result, which fully reflects the immense authority of the President of Russia and the broad support you enjoy among Russian citizens. Your re-election meets the expectations of China and the needs of China-Russia relations as they continue to develop.

We are absolutely convinced that a bright new future awaits Russia under your leadership. We are also absolutely convinced of the bright future of China-Russia relations under the guidance of our leaders.

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