Putin-Xi meetings give special boost to Russia-China relations, Lavrov says

Meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin of Russia and Chinese President Xi Jinping always give a special boost to relations between the two countries, which have reached unprecedented heights, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, Report informs via TASS.

"Meetings between President Putin and President Xi Jinping always give a special boost to the development of our bilateral relations, which have reached unprecedented heights through the efforts of the two leaders, and continue to grow rapidly in all areas," he pointed out, opening talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Addressing China’s delegation, Lavrov called Wang his "dear friend." "We are pleased to welcome Wang Yi on his official visit to Moscow, which is aimed at preparing a Russia-China summit set for May," the top Russian diplomat noted.

Wang’s visit to Russia is taking place between March 31 and April 2.

Earlier, the Russian foreign minister said that Putin planned to visit China in late August or early September to attend celebrations marking the anniversary of the victory over Japanese militarism and the end of World War II.

According to Lavrov, Xi will time his visit to Moscow to coincide with celebrations of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.