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| Xi Jinping heads to Russia in first foreign tour | Xi Jinping heads to Russia in first foreign tour |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Xi Jinping is heading to Russia on the first stop of his maiden overseas tour as president of China. | Xi Jinping is heading to Russia on the first stop of his maiden overseas tour as president of China. |
| Mr Xi is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the two likely to discuss energy and investment deals. | Mr Xi is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the two likely to discuss energy and investment deals. |
| Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Xi said the two countries were "most important strategic partners" who spoke a "common language". | Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Xi said the two countries were "most important strategic partners" who spoke a "common language". |
| He will also visit Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo on his tour, which continues until 30 March. | He will also visit Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo on his tour, which continues until 30 March. |
| In South Africa, he will attend the fifth Brics summit from 26-27 March. Brics stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - five key emerging economies. | In South Africa, he will attend the fifth Brics summit from 26-27 March. Brics stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - five key emerging economies. |
| The choice of Moscow as Mr Xi's first destination is seen as symbolic, and a move from China to counter the US pivot to Asia, correspondents say. | The choice of Moscow as Mr Xi's first destination is seen as symbolic, and a move from China to counter the US pivot to Asia, correspondents say. |
| 'Friendly neighbour' | |
| Russia is one of the world's biggest energy producers, and China is the world's top energy consumer. Bilateral trade is booming, reaching a record $88bn (£58bn) last year. | |
| Additionally, Beijing and Moscow have held similar positions over a number of thorny diplomatic issues, from Iran to Syria to North Korea, and some analysts suggest the bond is likely to strengthen. | |
| At a press conference, Mr Xi called Russia China's "friendly neighbour", and said that the fact that he was visiting so soon after assuming presidency was "a testimony to the great importance China places on its relations with Russia." | At a press conference, Mr Xi called Russia China's "friendly neighbour", and said that the fact that he was visiting so soon after assuming presidency was "a testimony to the great importance China places on its relations with Russia." |
| "China-Russia relations have entered a new phase in which the two countries provide major development opportunities to each other," he said. | "China-Russia relations have entered a new phase in which the two countries provide major development opportunities to each other," he said. |
| China is also Africa's largest trading partner, surpassing the United States and its traditional European partners. | China is also Africa's largest trading partner, surpassing the United States and its traditional European partners. |
| "China-Africa co-operation is comprehensive," Mr Xi said. "It has contributed to Africa's international standing." | "China-Africa co-operation is comprehensive," Mr Xi said. "It has contributed to Africa's international standing." |
| Xi Jinping was confirmed as China's president last week, concluding a lengthy transition process that saw him assume the Communist Party leadership in November 2012. | Xi Jinping was confirmed as China's president last week, concluding a lengthy transition process that saw him assume the Communist Party leadership in November 2012. |