(MNI) London - Russian state-run Tass reports comments from President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushako,v following Putin's call with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier today. Ushakov says that during the 1hr25mins call, the two leaders reaffirmed that "Russia and China can rely on each other." Says they "exchanged opinions on global events amid a very tense and explosive situation in several regions of the world." On geopolitical issues, Ushakov says Xi and Putin discussed tensions around Iran. Xi expressed his support for the tripartite talks in the UAE between Russia, Ukraine, and the US, with Putin providing an update on the situation.
- Ushakov confirms that after an invitation from Xi, Putin will visit China in H126.
- Says the two countries agreed to further develop trade, including in energy. In recent days, the prospect of a blow to Russia's oil export industry has come about following claims from President Trump that, as part of a trade deal, India would stop purchases of Russian oil.
- Ushakov: "Russia and China act in concert, their positions are close and coincide on most issues." This includes their positions on US President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace.'
- Ushakov says that, with the New START nuclear arms control treaty with the US due to expire on 5 Feb, Putin stressed to Xi that Russia "remains open to finding ways to negotiate strategic stability." It is widely viewed that the old bilateral arms control treaties of the Cold War era between the US and Russia are no longer effective, given the proliferation of nuclear weapons to more states, and the growth of China's nuclear arsenal in recent years.