MOSCOW: Chinese President Xi Jinping is the guest of honor at economic forum being organized by Russia. Two neighbors are presenting a united front in the face of shared troubles with the US. This is the Chinese leader’s first address at the economic forum. Xi is heading a 1,000-strong delegation. Both the leaders have met regularly in recent years.

Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day official visit. He referred to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, as his “best friend” during a meeting at the Kremlin.

The annual Saint Petersburg Economic Forum will woo foreign investors despite an uncertain business climate, thinks Moscow. The 2019 forum “will illustrate very clearly just how bi-polar the world has become,” analyses Chris Weafer, a senior partner at the Macro Advisory consulting firm.

Moscow and Beijing’s economic ties have grown in recent years. Russia is at present is dependent on China for its economic survival. Xi’s visit has already resulted in the signing of dozens of commercial contracts with Russia in e-commerce, telecoms, gas and other areas.  (Agencies)