The Russian president has traditionally penned articles for local media ahead of major foreign trips

President Vladimir Putin has recorded a video address to the people of China ahead of his official visit to Beijing, replacing the article or interview that the Russian leader has traditionally given to local media ahead of important foreign trips.

In the message, Putin said he was "delighted" to be visiting Beijing again at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he described as his "long-time good friend."

"Regular mutual visits and Russia-China top-level talks are an important and integral part of our joint efforts to promote the entire range of relations between our two countries and unlock their truly limitless potential," Putin said.

Putin is due to visit China on May 19-20 at the invitation of Xi. The trip coincides with the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Russia-China Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.

The Russian president said the treaty had laid "a solid foundation for a genuinely strategic relationship and comprehensive partnership" between the two countries. He added that Moscow-Beijing ties had reached "a truly unprecedented level," citing mutual trust, cooperation, and support on issues affecting what he called the "core interests" of both states.

Putin said Russia and China are expanding cooperation in politics, the economy, defense, and humanitarian exchanges, adding that these issues will shape the agenda of the upcoming talks in Beijing.

"I deeply appreciate President Xi Jinping's commitment to long-term cooperation with Russia," Putin said. "I am convinced that our warm and friendly ties enable us to chart the boldest plans for the future and bring them to life."

The Russian president also highlighted growing trade between the two countries, saying it had "long surpassed the US$200 billion mark," and noted that mutual settlements are now conducted almost entirely in rubles and yuan.

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Putin would travel with a high-level delegation that includes senior officials, ministers, and heads of major Russian companies. Around 40 bilateral documents are expected to be signed during the visit, including a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Putin also welcomed the introduction of a mutual visa-free regime between Russia and China, saying it would facilitate business and tourism exchanges and create new opportunities for personal contacts between Russian and Chinese citizens.

"The close strategic relationship between Russia and China plays a major, stabilizing role globally," Putin said. "Without allying against anyone, we seek peace and universal prosperity."