Premier Li Qiang to visit Russia, Belarus this week
The Foreign Ministry on Monday said Premier Li Qiang would visit Russia and Belarus this week. "Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Russia relations have eliminated external interference and maintained healthy and stable development," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular media briefing. She said Li's visit from Tuesday to Friday would include the 29th regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian heads of government. Mao said Li planned to "exchange in-depth views on practical cooperation in bilateral relations and issues of common concern" in talks with Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin. Li's visit comes as China and Russia ramp up economic cooperation and diplomatic contacts. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko visited China twice last year, promising in December to be a "reliable partner" to Beijing. (AFP)