Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to visit China in October, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, as Russia seeks to strengthen ties with one of its closest allies, AFP reported.

Xi Jinping and Vladimir PutinPhoto: Not provided / WillWest News / Profimedia

In a comment to Russian news agencies, the adviser to the president on international affairs, Yuriy Ushakov, said:

“It is known that we have received an invitation and plan to go to China when the Belt and Road Forum is held in October.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Moscow in March and declared that relations between the two countries are entering a new era.

China and Russia are strategic allies, with both sides often praising their “borderless” partnership and economic and military cooperation.

Beijing refused to condemn Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

Putin last visited China in 2022, attending the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Agreements were signed between the two parties in March

During the three days of the Chinese leader’s state visit to Moscow, 14 declarations, protocols, memoranda and agreements were signed.

  • In two joint statements, Russia and China promised to “deepen the relationship of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation as we enter a new era” and develop a plan for the development of key areas of economic cooperation until 2030.
  • The Ministries of Science of the two countries signed a protocol on strengthening cooperation in the field of “scientific research”.
  • Protocol services have established a mechanism for regular presidential meetings in the future.
  • The governments of Moscow and Beijing agreed on cooperation in the production of joint television programs.
  • VGTRK and China Media Group signed a memorandum of cooperation.
  • State news agencies TASS and Xinhua agreed on the exchange of information.
  • Six additional Memoranda of Understanding covered trade, forestry, agriculture, consumer protection and infrastructure in the Russian Far East.
  • Rosatom and the China Atomic Energy Agency agreed on a “comprehensive program of long-term cooperation in the field of fast neutron reactors and closure of the nuclear fuel cycle.”