Russian president says he expects Chinese counterpart to join war victory commemoration

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he expected his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to attend May ceremonies in Moscow marking 70 years since Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. "I would like to convey my best wishes to him [the Chinese president] and remind him that we are waiting for him in Moscow for commemorations of victory in World War Two," Putin told Li Zhanshu, head of the General Office of the Communist Party of China, describing Xi as his "personal and big friend". Xi has given a positive response to the Kremlin’s invitation and confirmed he would visit Moscow on May 9 to join in commemorations featuring a Red Square parade. "Your old and best friend, President Xi Jinping, also sends his greetings and best wishes to you," Li said. "He is also waiting for his arrival in Moscow for victory commemorations and his visit to Russia." Read more