Russian President Vladimir Putin has travelled to China on a three-day visit to attend a regional security summit and hold talks with Chinese officials over strategic and energy cooperation.
The Russian leader is set to meet with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao later Tuesday to review energy and economic cooperation before signing a range of government and business agreements.
It is Putin’s first visit to China since he took office as president for the third time last month.
Putin is accompanied by six cabinet ministers, as well as the heads of gas giant Gazprom and other energy companies.
The Russian president is also scheduled to attend the annual summit of the six-member Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Wednesday and Thursday.
The two leaders are expected to discuss the issue of the Syrian crisis during their meetings as well.
Russia and China have repeatedly opposed any foreign military intervention in Syria, expressing determination that they would not change their stance on the issue, according to Press TV.