Beijing [China], June 9 (ANI): Chinese President Xi Jinping presented Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the first-ever Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China.

Putin, who is on an official visit from June 8 to 10, has arrived China for the third time in just one year.

Xi gifted Putin China's friendship medal at a ceremony which was organised at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Over 700 people attended the ceremony.

Xi said, friendship medals, the highest state honor to foreigners, are awarded to those who have contributed outstandingly to China's modernsation drive and help safeguard world peace, as per Xinhua.

He also said that the bilateral ties between both the countries have withstood the test of the ever-changing international situation.

Putin thanked Xi for the gift saying, he values the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

On Friday, Putin and Xi had signed a joint Russian-Chinese statement after making negotiations, which said both Russia and China are determined to build up cooperation in all areas.

The two sides also decided to hold closer contacts on strategic security in the conditions of growing instability.

Both the countries also underscored that they were ready to join their efforts to bring bilateral relations to a new, higher level.

During the weekend Putin is scheduled to attend the Qingdao Summit of the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). (ANI)

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