Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to make a state visit to Moscow in the spring of 2023, in an apparent attempt to demonstrate strong bilateral ties.

Putin extended the invitation to Xi in an online meeting on Friday.

Footage showing the two leaders at the beginning of the meeting was released.

Putin said, "Dear Mr President, my dear friend, we look forward to seeing you on a state visit to Moscow next spring." Putin said the visit "will demonstrate to the world the strength of Russian-Chinese ties."

Putin also said cooperation between the two countries in the military and military technology fields maintains their national security and regional stability and that he aims to deepen bilateral military cooperation.

Putin stressed that strategic cooperation between the two countries has become increasingly important as a stabilizing factor amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Hong Kong media quoted Xi as saying at the outset of the talks that the comprehensive strategic partnership and friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries maintain the potential for growth.

Xi noted that the value of trade between China and Russia has already exceeded 170 billion dollars. He said their countries will be able to accomplish results in various areas through cooperation, deepen friendship and make further progress.

Xi met former Russian President and current deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev in Beijing on December 21.

Xi told Medvedev that China hopes all parties in the Ukraine crisis will maintain restraint and resolve security concerns through political means.