"We are very glad to be in Beijing again and to have the opportunity, on the eve of President Putin's arrival in China, to exchange views on bilateral affairs that are on the rise. First of all, I would like to mark once again the recent 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. These are certainly relations that are on the upswing and the presidents will discuss them in full when they meet tomorrow or the day after tomorrow," Lavrov said at a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The Third Belt and Road Forum, which the Russian leader plans to visit, will be held in Beijing from October 17-18.
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putin “will be the chief guest” of Chairman Xi and heads of states will find time “for a confidential, face to face discussion.”