Putin to be "most distinguished" guest at WWII victory celebrations in China - vice foreign minister
BEIJING. Aug 20 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin will be offered the highest level of hospitality at the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the victory in WWII and the Chinese people's victory over the Japanese invaders, Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cheng Guoping told Russian journalists.
"President Vladimir Putin will be the most distinguished and honorary guest for the Chinese people at these events, and he will be offered the highest level of hospitality," he said.
The diplomat described the consistent development of Chinese-Russian relations as relations of a comprehensive strategic partnership and interaction and pointed out that "close communication and contacts between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Putin are very rare in foreign policy history and world diplomatic practice."
While Putin takes part in the commemorative ceremonies in China, "he will also have official meetings with President Xi Jinping, and the Chinese government is actively preparing for President Putin's upcoming visit," Cheng said.
Contacts and exchanges of opinions between the Russian and Chinese leaders show that "both countries resolutely support each other in political terms," he said.
China and Russia are currently guarantors of international peace and stability, he said.
Asked whether the leaders of other countries, including Japan, South Korea and Ukraine, could also attend the celebrations, Cheng said China has forwarded invitations to the leaders of a lot of countries that "have relation to the victory in World War II and the Chinese people's victory over the Japanese invaders," and it is for them to make a decision, while China "will respect their choice."
At the present time, the leaders of over 20 countries have confirmed their participation, and "the list of participants has yet to be updated," Cheng said.
The commemoration ceremonies will take place in Beijing on September 3, 2015.