China-Russia relations are at their “best time in history,” said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Thursday. 

Lu Kang made the remarks at Thursday’s routine press conference, when asked to confirm Russian media reports that President Vladimir Putin will attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in May.

Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov was quoted by Russian media, including Sputnik and TASS, as saying that President Putin has agreed to participate in the BRF during a working visit to China. The ambassador announced the president’s decision at a press conference, saying that Putin confirmed his agreement to come to China immediately after receiving an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“We are talking about both the participation in the summit and the bilateral visit,” added Denisov.

While asked to make a comment on the Russian ambassador’s statement, Lu said preparation work for the forum has been progressing “very smoothly.” He promised to inform the media and public about relevant issues in due course.

Presidents Xi and Putin have met with each other five times in the past year, and it is believed that by maintaining frequent high-level contact, China and Russia will be able to strengthen strategic and political trust, deepen bilateral cooperation and promote collaboration in international affairs, said Lu.

The spokesman also mentioned that many world leaders and international organization heads have expressed willingness to participate in the forum.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced earlier this month that the BRF will be held in Beijing from May 14 to 15.