The Russian president has traditionally penned articles for local media ahead of major foreign trips
President Vladimir Putin has recorded a video address to the people of China ahead of his official visit to Beijing, replacing the article or interview that the Russian leader has traditionally given to local media ahead of important foreign trips.
Putin is due to visit China on May 19-20 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip coincides with the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Russia-China Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.
The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral ties, strategic cooperation, trade, energy, and major international and regional issues. The Kremlin has said the visit will focus on further deepening the comprehensive partnership between Moscow and Beijing.
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Putin will travel with a high-level delegation that includes senior officials, ministers, and heads of major Russian companies. Around 40 bilateral documents are expected to be signed during the visit, including a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow has “the most serious expectations” for the visit, describing contacts with China as one of Russia’s key foreign policy priorities.
