Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East.

Talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a state visit to China, Xi said the situation of the Gulf region in the Middle East is at a critical juncture between war and peace.

The Chinese president also called for enhanced strategic coordination between China and Russia.

During their discussions, Xi emphasised the critical juncture facing the Gulf region, stating that “all hostilities must end immediately” to prevent further escalation, according to Xinhua.

Xi also highlighted the broader global context, noting that “the international situation is fluid and turbulent. Unilateralism and hegemonism are resurging, yet peace, development and cooperation remain the aspiration of the people and the prevailing trend of our times.”

“As permanent members of the UN Security Council and important major countries in the world, China and Russia should take a strategic and long-term perspective,” Xi said.

“We should drive the development and revitalisation of our respective countries through comprehensive strategic coordination of even higher quality, and work to make the global governance system more just and reasonable.”

Earlier, President Putin was welcomed outside the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing with a formal ceremony before the two leaders held talks.