Chinese President Xi Jinping will make a state visit to Moscow next week, where he is expected to hold talks with close ally Russian President Vladimir Putin on issues that may include the war in Ukraine. 

According to the Kremlin, Mr Xi will be in Russia from Monday to Wednesday to discuss comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. 

Beijing’s foreign ministry stated that “important bilateral documents” were expected to be signed during the visit. An official of the ministry, Hua Chunying, said in a message posted on Twitter on Friday that it would be a trip for “Friendship and peace.”

“On the basis of no alliance, no confrontation, and no targeting of any third party, China and Russia have been promoting greater democracy in international relations,” she said. 

She added that China would uphold “an objective and fair position” on the war in Ukraine and “play a constructive role in promoting talks for peace.”

China’s foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the visit would promote strategic coordination and practical cooperation between the two countries. 

Mr Xi will conduct “an in-depth exchange of views with President Putin on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern,” said Mr Wang and added that the visit would “promote strategic coordination and practical cooperation between the two countries and inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations.”

“At present, changes not seen in a century are rapidly evolving, and the world has entered a new period of turmoil,” he said. “As… important major countries, the significance and influence of China-Russia relations far exceed the bilateral scope.” 

China has positioned itself as a neutral party hoping to mediate peace in Ukraine. 

It published a paper (condemned by Western leaders for failing to condemn Russia’s invasion and for avoiding demands that could affect China’s close ties with Russia”, Beijing outlined a political settlement to the crisis in Ukraine.