Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Wang Yi, Director of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee (also serving as Foreign Minister), on the 1st (local time) and revealed that preparations are underway for Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia in May.
According to TASS, RIA Novosti, and other agencies, President Putin made this statement during a meeting with Director Wang at the Kremlin on the same day. President Putin said he expects President Xi to visit Russia on May 9 to celebrate Victory Day, marking the victory over Nazi Germany and militaristic Japan, adding, "President Xi will be our main guest."
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China (also serving as Foreign Minister). Photo by EPA Yonhap News
President Putin and President Xi have invited each other to attend the 80th anniversary commemorations of Russia's victory in World War II (Victory Day) in Moscow on May 9 and China's 80th anniversary of victory in the Anti-Japanese War in Beijing on September 3.
Russia has invited a large number of leaders from friendly countries to this year's Victory Day event, with the possibility of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un attending also being mentioned.
President Putin said, "We will prepare a good and rich program. We expect his visit to be not only for attending the commemorative event but also an independent visit." He also expressed hope that President Xi's visit to Russia would provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and interactions within international platforms such as the United Nations Security Council, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS.
Director Wang said that his main mission during this visit to Russia was to prepare for President Xi's visit to Russia and attendance at the Victory Day event, stating, "I have already thoroughly exchanged views on the preparations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. I can say the preparations are progressing quite successfully." He added that President Xi's visit to Russia in May would give new momentum to the development of bilateral relations.
Director Wang also stated, "The cooperation between Russia and China is never aimed at any third country and does not allow external interference," emphasizing, "Our friendship is not temporary but long-term."
President Putin said, "I would like to ask you to convey my warm regards to our good friend, President Xi Jinping," and expressed satisfaction with the way the relationship is developing, including direct support from the foreign ministries of both countries.
Also present at the meeting between President Putin and Director Wang were Foreign Minister Lavrov and Kremlin Foreign Policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov.
Director Wang has been on an official three-day visit to Russia since the previous day. Before meeting President Putin, he met with Foreign Minister Lavrov to discuss topics including peace in Ukraine and the development of bilateral relations.
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