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President of China Xi Jinping (retranslated): It is a pleasure to meet again with an old friend.

Thank you for your participation in our celebrations at the beginning of September. At the end of September, we participated in the anniversary session of the UN General Assembly. The views we expressed on foreign affairs and key international issues are largely similar and have widespread international resonance.

On October 31, a Russian plane crashed in Egypt, claiming the lives of all passengers and crew members. Like you, I am deeply saddened by this. I want to once again express my sincere condolences and words of solidarity to all the families and friends of the victims.

Whenever Russia faces difficulties or misfortunes, the Chinese people and I will always stand by your side, on the side of the Russian people.

From the end of the 1930s until the mid-1940s, the children of some early communist party leaders in China studied in the Soviet Union. Later, they participated in the Great Patriotic War. You and the Russian people have always cared for them.

Recently, the organising committee for the 70^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War presented them with special commemorative medals. They are priceless representatives of Chinese-Russian friendship. The Chinese government and I myself care for them.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President,

It is a pleasure for me too to meet with our good friends.

You recalled the recent anniversary session of the United Nations. I remember you said in your address that all countries on the global arena – rich and poor, big and small – should enjoy the same rights and are equal participants in international communication. These and other fundamental principles of international law definitely lie at the basis of our approaches to international affairs and they fully coincide.

Thank you very much for your sincere condolences in connection with the tragic crash of our aircraft and the death of Russian citizens.

As for the Great Patriotic War veterans, including Chinese, I am aware that many of them while in Moscow walked the streets and squares of Russia’s capital together with Russian citizens as part of the Immortal Regiment march carrying photographs of their relatives who took part in the fight against Nazism and Japanese militarism. They will always have our deep respect and attention.

I am very happy to have this opportunity to meet with you and to exchange information and views on the development of our bilateral relations.

I am certain that during its coming G20 Presidency, China will make a significant contribution to the development of international economic relations. I want to wish you success.