Also on Friday, President Xi attended a ceremony at which Tsinghua University awarded Putin an honorary doctorate.

Tsinghua University is a world-renowned university and the alma mater of President Xi, Putin said. "In the presence of my good friend President Xi Jinping, Tsinghua University conferred an honorary doctorate on me and held a grand ceremony. I feel honored and deeply touched."

"President Putin is a good friend and old friend of the Chinese people, and has made historic contributions to deepening political mutual trust between China and Russia and promoting bilateral cooperation in various fields," Xi said, extending congratulations to Putin.

Xi said he hopes young Chinese and Russian students will contribute to China-Russia friendship for generations to come.