CRI听力:Xi to Join Victory Day Parade in Moscow

China's top envoy to Russia says President Xi's trip to Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus is a clear signal of China's commitment to safeguarding the hard-won peace following World War II and promoting regional co-operation.

China and Russia were two of the main theaters of war in Asia and Europe during the Second World War and both countries made enormous sacrifices and contributions to the victory over fascism. The two sides have decided to hold a series of events to mark this historic milestone together and have vowed to work hand-in-hand to uphold international justice.

The Highlight of President Xi's three-day visit to Russia is attending Saturday's Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow to commemorate the 70th anniversary since Russia clinched victory in the Great Patriotic War.

China's ambassador to Russia Li Hui says the visit will help take the China-Russia relationship to the next level.

"Both China and Russia fought against fascist aggression during the Second World War and the victory that we secured is very important to all of us. Therefore, commemorating the 70th anniversary of this historic milestone is an opportunity to cherish the peace that has been established since then and ensure that this period in history is not forgotten. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries."

President Xi is expected to honor WWII veterans in Moscow.

According to Ambassador Li, the Chinese President will also sign a number of bilateral co-operation agreements in strategic areas like energy, finance, investment and infrastructure.

In recent years, there have been frequent exchanges between the top leaders of both China and Russia. Since March 2013, when President Xi paid his first state visit to Russia, the two Heads of State have met 11 times at various bilateral and international gatherings.

According to Ambassador Li, this shows that there is a good working relationship between President Xi and President Putin and that there is a close personal friendship between China and Russia.

President Xi is also set to promote a framework for the establishment of the ambitious Silk Road Economic Belt. This will focus on creating trade and infrastructure networks across Eurasia, as well as the development of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union.

Ambassador Li says the two sides need to come up with innovative co-operation models to push forward a complementary development agenda that can bring peace and prosperity to people in both China and Russia.

"The Russian leadership at every level, and academic circles, have all paid close attention to the Silk Road initiative. Russia has also expressed its support for this idea in various occasions. There are several unique advantages for Sino-Russian cooperation when promoting the Silk Road initiative. This includes geographical proximity, close political ties and complementary economic interests. Therefore, the collaboration covers a broad spectrum of issues."

President Xi will kick-off his 3-nation tour with a trip to Kazakhstan on Thursday. After his three day visit to Russia, Xi will pay a visit to Belarus, the first by a Chinese president in 14 years.

For CRI I'm Poornima Weerasekara.