MOSCOW/BEIJING, March 20. /TASS/. The relations between Russia and China are an example of harmonious cooperation and serve to ensure global stability, President Vladimir Putin said in an article for People’s Daily newspaper.

"In fact, today, the Russia-China relations serve as the cornerstone of regional and global stability, driving the economic growth and securing the positive agenda in international affairs. They provide an example of harmonious and constructive cooperation between major powers," Putin said in the article published ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia.

The Russian president also stated that Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to Russia is a major event confirming the special nature of the Moscow-Beijing partnership.

"This landmark event reaffirms the special nature of the Russia-China partnership, which has always been built on mutual trust, respect for each other's sovereignty and interests," he said. "We have high expectations for the upcoming talks."

"We have no doubt that they will give a new powerful impetus to our bilateral cooperation in its entirety. This is also a great opportunity for me to meet with my good old friend with whom we enjoy the warmest relationship," he continued.

"Our countries, together with like-minded actors, have consistently advocated the shaping of a more just multipolar world order based on international law rather than certain ‘rules’ serving the needs of the ‘golden billion’," said the Russian president.

"Russia and China have consistently worked to create an equitable, open and inclusive regional and global security system that is not directed against third countries," Putin said. "In this regard, we note the constructive role of China's Global Security Initiative, which is in line with the Russian approaches in this area."

"We have high expectations for the upcoming talks. We have no doubt that they will give a new powerful impetus to our bilateral cooperation in its entirety. This is also a great opportunity for me to meet with my good old friend with whom we enjoy the warmest relationship," Putin added.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters last week that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will hold negotiations in Moscow on March 21, with statements to the media expected afterwards.

Earlier, Moscow and Beijing announced that Xi Jinping would make an official visit to Russia on March 20-22. According to the Kremlin, negotiations will include discussion of "current issues of further development of relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China."

The sides also plan to exchange opinions within the context of deepening Russian-Chinese cooperation on the international arena. The sides are expected to sign a number of important bilateral documents.