(Source: CGTN)

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who announced he plans to visit Beijing in May. Zhang went to Moscow for a meeting of the China-Russia investment cooperation committee.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he plans to visit Beijing this May. He will take part in the 'Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road trade route and promote common developments among all countries involved.

The announcement came as Vladimir Putin met Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli in Moscow. Zhang Gaoli is in Moscow to co-chair the 4th meeting of the China/Russia investment cooperation committee.

Moscow and Beijing are preparing a number of major energy projects. That includes Yamal LNG, a liquified natural gas plant, and the Power of Siberia gas pipeline. According to Kremlin's spokesperson Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet more delegations from China next week.

While in Moscow, China's Zhang Gaoli confirmed Xi Jinping is also expected to visit Russia in July.