China’s President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed and issued a joint statement on deepening China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries state media Xinhua reported. Xi rolled out the red carpet for Putin, who arrived in Beijing for a two-day state visit, signalling the deepening alignment between the two nations amidst Russia’s ongoing advances in Ukraine, CNN reported.

The grand reception, complete with a military band serenade and multiple gun salute outside the Great Hall of the People, underscored the significance of the leaders’ close relationship amid escalating tensions with the West. In their discussions, on Thursday morning, Xi said China-Russia relations have “stood the test of a changing international landscape” and should be “cherished and nourished” by both sides.