Putin's participation in Victory Day celebrations in Beijing hailed by China

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

China hails Russian President Vladimir Putin's participation in ceremonies in Beijing on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Victory in World War II, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Friday.

"China and Russia are countries whose territories were scenes of the main battles of World War II in Asia and in Europe. Our countries made a tremendous contribution to the victory in that war," he said. "This year our countries will hold joint memorable events and the leaders the two states will exchange visits for participation in them."

"The chief of the Russian presidential staff Sergey Ivanov has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in Bejing for events timed for the 70th anniversary of the victory over Nazism. We welcome that decision," Hong said.

According to earlier reports China's President Xi Jinping in May will arrive in Moscow for ceremonies on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany.