Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Chinas willingness to play a constructive role in solving the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

“We are grateful for the balanced line of China in connection with the events taking place in Ukraine, for understanding their background and true causes. We welcome Chinas willingness to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis,” Putin said in press remarks released on the eve of a visit by his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

“Russia is open to a settlement of the Ukrainian crisis by political-diplomatic means,” Putin assured.

He added that friendship between Russia and China will continue gaining strength, noting that the talks with the Chinese President will give a new powerful impetus to the whole bilateral cooperation.

The Chinese President will embark on a three-day visit to Russia later Monday.

Beijing last month published a 12-point paper calling for dialogue and a settlement in Ukraine, but it contained only general statements and no concrete proposal for how the year-long war might end

Source: Qatar News Agency