On the evening of April 22, 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On behalf of the Russian government and people, Putin once again offered his deep sympathy to the Chinese people over the devastating earthquake in Lushan county, Ya'an city of southwest China's Sichuan Province. "At this difficult moment, the Russian people stand firmly with the Chinese people. Russia is ready to give China all necessary help," Putin said. The Russian president said he was confident the Chinese government and people would overcome the difficulties and recover from the disaster. "No matter what difficulty comes up, the Russian people are reliable friends of the Chinese people," he said.

Xi thanked Putin for his call, which came after a message of condolences on the day the magnitude-7.0 earthquake jolted Lushan in China's southwest Sichuan province. Xi expressed sincere thanks to the Russian side on behalf of the Chinese government and people.

The Chinese president said a friend in need is a friend indeed. The timely assistance the two countries provided each other after major natural disasters demonstrated their high-level relations and the deep friendship between the two peoples. China would stay in close contact with Russia on quake relief and post-quake reconstruction, Xi said.

After briefing Putin on the current situation in the quake-affected areas, Xi stressed disaster relief was moving ahead in a comprehensive and orderly manner. "With one heart and one mind and concerted efforts from all sides, the Chinese people will surely overcome the disaster, rebuild their homes, and let the people in the affected areas live a good life," Xi said.

The two leaders also exchanged views on bilateral relations. Hailing the major outcomes of his recent state visit to Russia, Xi said China is ready to work with Russia to carry out the consensus and agreements reached by the two sides and deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

Putin said Xi's visit was a complete success and Russia would make all efforts to implement the outcomes of the visit and elevate bilateral ties to a new high.