NEW DELHI: Some high-ranking European delegates reportedly "boycotted" Russian President Vladimir Putin's speech in China on Wednesday.
The videos of delegates, including former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, walking out of the room before Putin's speech began have been circulating online.
Europe has strongly condemned Putin for ordering the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the European Union slapping a slew on sanctions on Russia.
Meanwhile, Putin, who is on his second known international trip outside Russia since the Ukraine war, lauded Chinese President Xi Jinping for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and invited global investment in the Northern Sea Route.
The invitation was seen as a significant step towards enhancing trade connectivity between the East and the West, Reuters reported.
Addressing the gathering, President Putin expressed his gratitude for the invitation and emphasized Russia's potential to play a vital role in China's modern-day revival of the ancient Silk Road. He affectionately referred to President Xi as his "dear friend" and commended the BRI for its global unifying impact.
During his speech, Putin also emphasized the shared desire of Russia and China, as well as most nations worldwide, for equal and mutually beneficial cooperation aimed at achieving sustainable economic progress and social well-being.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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