Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted the invitation to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday.

"In 2014, President Xi attended the opening ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics upon invitation. This time, President Xi has extended an invitation to his good friend President Putin to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics," said Zhao. 

"President Putin has gladly accepted the invitation," he said.

The Chinese side and the Russian side are now in close communication on Putin's trip, he added.

"We believe the two heads of state's get-together for the Winter Olympics will once again show that the two sides enjoy a partnership like neighbors and relatives wishing each other well," said Zhao.

The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, held in Beijing and Zhangjiakou of Hebei Province, are scheduled to run from February 4 to 20.