Xi and Putin highlight friendship and co-operation in Beijing visit

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his close ties with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and said their countries are partners in trade and international affairs as they opened bilateral talks on his trip to Beijing.

Mr Xi welcomed Mr Putin with a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People only days after meeting with US President Donald Trump.