UPDATE - Russian president to pay 2-day state visit to China

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT BY KREMLIN PRESS SERVICE

By Riyaz ul Khaliq and Elena Teslove

ISTANBUL / MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a two-day state visit to China from Thursday, Beijing announced on Tuesday.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Putin will undertake the visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In a separate statement, the Kremlin announced that Putin will visit China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

"The leaders of Russia and China will engage in detailed discussions covering the entire spectrum of their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. They will identify key areas for furthering Russian-Chinese practical cooperation and exchange views on pressing international and regional matters," it highlighted.

After the discussions, the heads of state intend to sign a joint statement along with several bilateral agreements, the statement added.

Putin and Xi will also participate in a gala evening commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the commencement of the Years of Culture of Russia and China.

The itinerary for the Russian president's visit includes a meeting with Premier Li Xiang of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, during which they will discuss bilateral cooperation in trade, economy, and humanitarian endeavors.

"The Russian president will additionally visit Harbin, the administrative hub of Heilongjiang Province, where he will attend the opening ceremony of the eighth Russian-Chinese Expo and the fourth Russian-Chinese Forum on Interregional Cooperation. He will also engage with students and faculty at Harbin Polytechnic University," the statement detailed.

In 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping selected Russia for his inaugural foreign visit following re-election.

Putin visited China last October when he attended the Belt and Road Initiative summit in Beijing.