AFP, Moscow

China’s President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin hailed their countries’ “stabilising” economic, political and security alliance in the face of “turbulent” times globally, as they spoke via video call yesterday.

Moscow and Beijing have sought to present a united front against the West.

The call comes days after top officials from both countries agreed ties could “break new ground” this year as Moscow and Beijing ramp up economic cooperation.

“Since the beginning of the year, the international situation has become increasingly turbulent,” Xi told Putin.

Addressing Xi as his “dear friend”, Putin expressed a similar message, saying “the foreign policy alliance between Moscow and Beijing remains an important stabilising factor”.