Moscow, Jan. 14 (BNA) Moscow said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the opening day of the Winter Olympics in Beijing next month.
“We are preparing for an official Russia-China summit,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference.
Lavrov said the talks on February 4th will not only be between Putin and Xi, but will also include “comprehensive negotiations at the highest level” between the two governments, DPA news agency reported.
The standoff between two of the world’s most powerful leaders will be in stark contrast to the diplomatic boycott of the Games announced by the United States, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and several other countries over human rights concerns.
Russia as a country is banned from participating in these Olympics after its role in the massive doping scandal, but Russian athletes are able to compete under a neutral flag.
FKN