President Vladimir Putin's plane landed in Tianjin, northern China, this morning. He is accompanied by a delegation of cabinet members and representatives from major companies. According to Yury Ushakov, the Russian president's foreign policy advisor, such an extended trip abroad is "unusual and rare" for President Putin.
The Russian leader will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, taking place in Tianjin from 31/8 to 1/9. He is also expected to meet and hold talks with leaders of several countries on the sidelines of the event.
President Putin at the airport in Tianjin, northern China on 31/8. Video: Zvezda
Founded in 2001, the SCO comprises China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, along with 16 observer states or "dialogue partners".
In an interview published by Xinhua news agency on 30/8, Putin said the summit would "enhance the SCO's ability to respond to contemporary challenges and threats, and strengthen solidarity across the Eurasian space".
"All of this will help shape a more just multipolar world order," Putin said.
After the SCO summit concludes, Putin will travel to Beijing. Russian-Chinese talks are scheduled for 2/9, covering crucial issues from expanding bilateral economic cooperation to key regional and international matters, including the Ukraine conflict.
President Putin is expected to brief Chinese President Xi Jinping on the outcome of his summit with US President Donald Trump in Alaska on 15/8, and is then slated to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing.
On 3/9, Putin will join over 20 world leaders for a military parade commemorating the victory over fascism in Tiananmen Square.
Huyen Le (According to AFP, TASS)
