Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday that Russia is prepared to support its strategic partnership with China.

Putin held informal talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a tea session at Xi’s personal residence in the Zhongnanhai compound in Beijing, according to a report by TASS news agency.

The Russian delegation included Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Deputy Chief of the Presidential Administration Maxim Oreshkin, Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov, and Defense Minister Andrey Belousov.

Earlier, the two presidents held expanded talks with their respective delegations, discussing ways to strengthen comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China. The talks also covered practical collaboration, regional and international issues, and coordination in multilateral forums.

This meeting was part of events in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

 In a related development, TASS reported Tuesday that a legally binding supply agreement was signed with China for the “Power of Siberia-2” gas pipeline. The contract spans 30 years, with supply prices set to be lower than those offered to Europe.