The People's Daily newspaper published an article by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the relations between Russia and China.

In the article, Putin again spoke in favor of "the formation of a fairer multipolar world order" and assured the readiness of the political and diplomatic settlement of the "Ukrainian crisis" "taking into account the prevailing geopolitical realities," writes Kommersant newspaper.

The article was written on the eve of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow; it will take place from Monday to Wednesday. Its Russian translation was posted on the website of the Kremlin.

About expectations from the meeting to be held in Russia: Putin and Xi have met about 40 times. Russia has "great expectations" regarding the visit of the Chinese leader. "This is also a great opportunity for me to see an old good friend with whom we have the warmest relations," the article says. According to Putin, the relations between the two countries "have reached the highest level throughout history and continue to strengthen."

About the relations between Russia and China: By the end of 2022, trade has doubled and reached $185 billion; this is a new record. The Russian Federation expects that the mark of $200 billion will not be passed in 2024, as planned, but in 2023; the share of calculations in national currencies is growing, and relations "are becoming even more sovereign."