The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced that the annual forum known as One Belt, One Road will take place in Beijing on October 17 and 18, with invitations extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The report was issued by Xinhua News Agency.
The ministry added that President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony, deliver a keynote address, host a welcome banquet, and oversee bilateral activities tied to the forum for international guests.
Earlier, during a discussion at the Valdai International Discussion Club’s general assembly, Putin addressed questions about his absence from the BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 gathering in India. He explained that there is sufficient work at home and that his nonattendance was intended to avoid complicating matters for Russia’s friends.
In remarks at the assembly, Putin noted that European markets are gradually weakening. He said that Russia is increasingly stepping back from those markets and seeking alternative opportunities elsewhere.
Earlier, Putin had stated that the frog is on our side.