Putin Begins Official Visit to China

© Кремль / скриншот из видео

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for an official visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between Russia and China.

Putin was greeted at the airport by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The main events of the visit are scheduled for May 20.

The highlight of the visit will be a meeting between Putin and Xi Jinping. A ceremonial welcome for the Russian delegation will take place on Tiananmen Square (the symbolic heart of Beijing), followed by negotiations between the leaders in various formats at the Great Hall of the People.

It is expected that the two sides will issue a joint statement on further developing their strategic partnership. In total, around 40 agreements are planned to be signed, covering industries such as industry, transport, energy, construction, trade, education, cinema, and cooperation between news agencies.

After the negotiations, Putin and Xi Jinping will make statements to the press and then attend the opening ceremony of the Crossover Year of Russian-Chinese Cooperation in Education.

Additionally, the Russian president will hold a separate meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where they will discuss the development of trade and economic ties.

The program will conclude with an official reception hosted by Xi Jinping and an informal conversation over tea. The Kremlin has previously noted that this meeting will be one of the key components of the visit, allowing the sides to discuss the most important international issues in detail.