Russia, China move towards comprehensive partnership and close strategic cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will sign a declaration on comprehensive partnership and closer strategic cooperation in the new era, Russian presidential aide for international affairs Yury Ushakov said, according to Russian media.

“The most important document among the documents to be signed by the Russian and Chinese leaders is the Russia-China joint statement on comprehensive partnership and closer strategic cooperation in the new era, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries,” Mr. Ushakov said.

According to Mr. Ushakov, the 30-page document will "note the special nature of Russia-China relations, outline ways to further develop the entire bilateral relationship, recall the leading role of Russia and China in efforts to form a just and democratic order."

He also said that the two sides will sign 11 intergovernmental documents in the presence of the two leaders. A large package of documents, including those on trade, will also be signed in the presence of the two leaders.

A series of inter-regional agreements will be signed on the second day of President Putin's upcoming visit to China, when he arrives in Harbin.

After the signing ceremony, the two leaders will address the media, attend a state banquet and attend a concert.

Earlier, the Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin would visit China on May 16-17. This will be his first foreign trip since Putin took office for his fifth term as President on May 7.