Russian President Vladimir Putin released a special video message before departing for a two-day state visit to China. The Kremlin published the message on Tuesday, according to BBC Farsi. In the video, Putin praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him a 'good and old friend,' and stated that relations between Russia and China have reached an 'unprecedented high.' He emphasized that the close strategic partnership between the two nations plays a vital and stabilizing role on the global stage.

Putin said the cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is not directed against any other country but aims to promote peace and prosperity worldwide. The visit comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is highly optimistic about the visit, which is expected to further advance the countries’ 'special partnership.'

This marks Putin’s 25th visit to China as president. Despite Western calls for Beijing to pressure Moscow over the war in Ukraine, the trip underscores the depth and strength of the Russia-China partnership.