Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to China on May 16-17 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss co-operation between the countries, Russian media reported.
The leaders will discuss in detail the issues of comprehensive partnership and identify key areas for further development of Russian-Chinese co-operation. International and regional issues are also on the agenda of the meeting.
Putin and Xi Jinping will attend a gala evening to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of the Russian-Chinese Years of Culture. The Russian president’s schedule also includes a meeting with Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Putin is expected to attend the opening ceremony of the eighth Russian-Chinese EXPO and the fourth Russian-Chinese Forum on Interregional Cooperation. The Russian president will also hold a meeting with students and professors of Harbin Institute of Technology.
The Kremlin confirmed the trip in a statement and said Putin was travelling at the invitation of Xi Jinping. It said it would be Putin’s first foreign trip since he began his fifth presidential term.
The visit to China may be a response to the first official visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who travelled primarily to Russia after his re-election. The destination of Putin’s next trip could be Turkey.
In October 2023, Vladimir Putin paid a two-day visit to Beijing, during which he met with a number of Asian leaders. At that time, the Russian and Chinese leaders discussed the economy, finance, political interaction, and joint work on international platforms.
Xi has met Putin more than 40 times, including virtually – more than any other leader. They often exchange birthday greetings and call each other “old” or “dear” friend.
