BEIJING -- China and Russia are in close communication over this year's high-level exchanges, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Lu Kang made the comment when asked to confirm Russian media reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to pay an official visit to China in 2016, while Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang will visit Russia later this year.

Lu told a routine press briefing that Chinese and Russian presidents have a tradition of visiting each other's country annually and the prime ministers have a regular meeting each year.

"The frequent high-level exchanges reflect the high-quality China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership," he said.

The two countries will work to link the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union. They will also prepare for a media exchange year and celebrate the 15th anniversary of the China-Russia Treaty of Good Neighborliness, Lu said.