Xi, Putin agree on need for solidarity

China is willing to work with Russia to safeguard the outcomes of World War II victory, uphold international justice and support and practice multilateralism, President Xi Jinping said in a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Friday.

Xi offered warm congratulations to Putin and the Russian people as the country celebrated the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, Russia's term for World War II. The call was the third between the two leaders in three months.

The war was an unprecedented disaster, and China and Russia, main battlefields in Asia and Europe, made huge sacrifices and indelible contributions to the victory, which saved mankind from grave danger, he said.

The two peoples fought alongside each other and forged a great friendship, which served as an inexhaustible impetus for bilateral relations and everlasting friendship, he noted.

Xi underscored that the two nations shouldered a special mission to safeguard world peace and security and promote the development and progress of mankind, and they must always remain committed to defending world peace, advancing global development and upholding international order.

Epidemic containment efforts in Russia, under Putin's leadership, are paying off, and China has full confidence in the country's final victory over the pandemic, he said.

The international community should give play to the spirit of the world anti-Fascist war, step up coordination and solidarity and implement the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind to jointly win the battle that concerns the life, safety and health of people of all nations, he said.

He added that it is his belief that with the concerted efforts of China, Russia and the international community, the world will conquer the virus and secure eventual victory.

Putin said Russia stands ready to step up comprehensive strategic coordination with China and showcase the resolve of jointly upholding world peace, adding that any attempt that tampers with history or dismisses history will be disallowed.

Russia is willing to borrow experience on epidemic containment from China and launch joint programs on the development and research of vaccines, he said.

He also voiced opposition to certain forces using the pandemic as an excuse to denounce China, saying that Russia will stand firmly with China.