Putin plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping soon

(Patria) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said he will soon meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, the Tass news agency reported.

"We will have some events soon and there will be a meeting with the Chairman of the People's Republic of China (Xi Jinping)," the Russian president said during an open lecture titled "Conversations about What Matters."

Putin said the Chinese leader considers him a friend.

"I am happy to call him my friend, because he is a man who personally does a lot for the development of Russian-Chinese relations, in various spheres," the Russian president said.

Putin assured one of those present, who asked about the possibilities of expanding humanitarian interaction between Russia and China, that he would definitely discuss with Xi what else can be done in that regard.

Earlier, it was reported that Putin could attend the Belt and Road Initiative forum in China in October.