Putin at meeting with Xi notes China's colossal leap forward somewhat to Russia's envy

MOSCOW. March 20 (Interfax) - China has in the past decade of Xi Jinping's leadership made a colossal leap forward and Russia is even slightly envious of it, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Over the past years, China made a colossal leap forward in its development. All over the world, this attracts unfeigned interest and we are even slightly envious of you," Putin said at a meeting with the Chinese leader on Monday.

"I am certain under your leadership China will in the coming years make further steps in its development and will no doubt be achieving the goals you have set for yourselves," Putin said.