Russia, China to Hold Talks at Victory Day Celebrations in Moscow – Lavrov

Russia and China will hold comprehensive talks during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow to take part in the Victory Day celebrations, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia and China will hold comprehensive talks during Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned visit to Moscow to take part in the Victory Day celebrations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Rossiya Segodnya news agency's general director, Dmitry Kiselev, in an exclusive interview on Monday.

"President Putin invited Xi Jinping to attend the May 9 celebrations. Of course, a comprehensive round of talks will be also held during the visit," Lavrov said.

He said that Russia's relations with China had reached an unprecedentedly good level, describing it as multifaceted, comprehensive and strategic.

The foreign minister also said that Xi Jinping had invited President Putin to visit China in early September when the country will mark the Victory over Japan Day.

Russia has sent out invitations to a number of world leaders to attend the Victory Parade in Moscow on May 9, commemorating the 70th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany and marking the end of World War II.

According to Lavrov, the final list of the Victory Day participants will be announced by the end of April.

On April 4, Kremlin Chief of Staff Sergei Ivanov said at least 25 states had agreed to attend the Victory Day celebrations in the Russian capital.

A number of European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, are said to have declined an invitation in light of Russia's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis.