The two leaders, who have met eight times in the past two years, "will maintain close contacts this year on bilateral and multilateral occasions", Li said.

Feng Yujun, a senior researcher of Russian studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said China and Russia "have remarkable common ground" when it comes to their views on the World War II, as well as on existing regional issues.

Exchanging presidential visits reflects strong reciprocal support, Feng said.

Yin Zhuo, director of the Expert Consultation Committee of the People's Liberation Army navy, said the joint celebrations and visits between the two countries' leaders will "cover the major entities of the anti-fascist alliance and better ensure the effectiveness of the events' reach".

Li told Putin that the General Office of the CPC Central Committee is ready to strengthen communications and cooperation with the Russian Presidential Administration.

The two bodies will "better implement consensus by the two leaders and make commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of victory in World War II a success", Li said.

Feng said cooperation between two bodies assisting the leaders "is a new approach to boosting top-level contacts", describing one of their functions - helping with policymaking - as "unique and irreplaceable".

The commemoration events in China will include a conference, a reception, a gala and a military parade.

Reuters and Xinhua contributed to this story.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn