Xi Jinping met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Following the invasion attempt of Ukraine, which started with the military order given by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 last year, China, which stood by Russia, turned its route to Ukraine for the first time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone for the first time since the start of the war. In the statement made by the official Chinese news agency, it was reported that the request for the meeting came from Ukraine, and the two leaders discussed the Ukraine crisis as well as China-Ukraine relations.

'CHINA ALWAYS FAVORS FOR PEACE'

Pointing out that the political basis of China-Ukraine relations is mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, Chinese President Xi said that no matter how the international situation changes, China wants to advance cooperation with Ukraine. Pointing out that the Ukraine crisis has turned into a complex and it has a great impact on the international arena, Xi said, “China always favors peace in the Ukraine crisis. China's main position has been to persuade the parties to make peace and support the negotiations," he said.

A SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE APPOINTED TO UKRAINE

Pointing out that China will continue to work for the advancement of peace talks, a ceasefire and peace as soon as possible, Xi Jinping noted that the Beijing administration will send a special representative to Ukraine to communicate with all parties on a political solution. Making statements about the concerns about the use of nuclear weapons, Xi said, “Nuclear war has no winner. All parties must remain calm and jointly manage and control the crisis for the future of both themselves and humanity."

Stating that his country will continue to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, the Chinese leader thanked Zelenskyy for his help in the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Ukraine last year.

ZELENSKYY: WE WANT TO WORK WITH CHINA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pointed out that his country wants to deepen its relations with China and said, "We want to work with China to maintain peace and stability in the world."

Speaking on his social media account after the meeting, Zelenskyy said, "I had a long and meaningful phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. I believe that this meeting and Ukraine's appointment of a representative to China will give a strong impetus to the development of our bilateral relations."

On the other hand, Chinese President Xi visited the Russian capital Moscow last month and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

(Ihlas News Agency)