Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a video address to the people of China ahead of his official visit to the People’s Republic of China.

“Dear Chinese friends, greetings to you! I am pleased to once again visit Beijing at the invitation of my long-time good friend, President of the PRC Xi Jinping,” the Russian leader said.

Traditionally, ahead of important foreign visits, the Russian president gives interviews to media outlets in the host country or publishes articles in the local press devoted to bilateral relations. This time, Putin chose the video format. In his address, he highlighted the unprecedented level of relations between the two countries.

“The special nature of these relations is reflected in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust, a readiness to cooperate on mutually beneficial and equal terms, to conduct respectful dialogue, and to support each other on issues affecting the fundamental interests of both countries, including the protection of sovereignty and state unity,” he emphasized.

Putin stated that Russia and China are actively developing contacts in almost all spheres, adding that a visa-free regime between the two countries would create new opportunities for communication between their citizens.

The Russian leader also stressed that the friendship between Russia and China is directed not “against anyone,” but “toward the cause of peace and common prosperity.”

According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the two leaders will discuss the most important and sensitive issues of bilateral relations. Cooperation in the field of hydrocarbon supplies will also be examined in detail.