President Xi Jinping attends the sixth meeting of heads of state of China, Russia and Mongolia with President Vladimir Putin and President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh at the Forumlar Majmuasi Complex in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Thursday afternoon. Photo: Zhai Jianlan/Xinhua

Xi and Putin pose for pictures in Samarkand during the 22nd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on Thursday afternoon. This is Xi’s first face-to-face meeting with the Russian leader since the conflict in Ukraine. Photo: Ju Peng/Xinhua

Putin speaks during a meeting with Xi. Photo: Alexander Demianchuk/VCG

High-level officials from China and Russia exchanged views during the meeting. Both sides showed their willingness to boost bilateral cooperation on issues associated with their core interests. Photo: Zhai Jianlan/Xinhua

Xi meets with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh at Forumlar Majmuasi Complex. Photo: Zhai Jianlan/Xinhua

Xi greets Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as he received the highest friendship award from Mirziyoyev on Thursday. Photo: Ding Haitao/Xinhua

Xi holds talks with Mirziyoyev. Photo: Ding Haitao/Xinhua

Mirziyoyev holds a welcome ceremony for Xi prior to their meeting. Photo: Shen Hong/Xinhua