Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Wednesday in Beijing with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two are attending an international forum on China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi and Putin sat down on the sidelines of the event to discuss their shared vision for the future.

Xi said, "As great powers, China is willing to work with Russia. We will contribute to the development and revitalization of both countries, to maintaining international justice, and promoting common development around the world."

Putin said, "In the current difficult conditions, close foreign policy coordination is especially necessary. We're already doing that, and we'll discuss it today."

Both leaders praised China's Belt and Road Initiative, and said they are committed to building up trade across the developing world.

They also delivered speeches at Wednesday's forum.
Other attendees include UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, as well as the leaders of Indonesia and Kazakhstan.

But a number of European leaders participating in the Belt and Road Initiative chose to skip the forum. That includes Italy, a G7 member, which is reportedly considering pulling out of the scheme due to a lack of perceived benefits.