Putin praises Xi, pitches Russia as key part of Belt and Road Initiative

Putin said Russia could play an integral role as a transit country between east and west and north and south.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a ceremony at the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China, October 17, 2023.

Credit: Sputnik/Sergei Savostyanov/Pool via Reuters Photo

Beijing: President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and said Russia could play an integral role as a transit country between east and west and north and south.