Russian President Vladimir Putin will begin a working program on Thursday in Vladivostok, where he will hold a meeting on the development of the fuel and energy complex in the Far Eastern Federal District.

The Russian president will meet with the prime ministers of Laos and Mongolia, as well as the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China.

During his working trip to Primorsky Krai, Putin will meet with the region’s governor, Oleg Kozhemyako, and is expected to have a conversation with Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev.

Additionally, Putin will hold a meeting dedicated to the development of the fuel and energy complex in the Far East Federal District on Thursday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that electricity generation issues will also be discussed.

Putin emphasized that the development of the Far East is a priority for Russia throughout the 21st century. The president stressed that the Far East region is showing very good growth rates.

President Putin returned to Russia after a productive four-day visit to China. His plane landed on Wednesday in Vladivostok, where the 10th Eastern Economic Forum is currently taking place, and Putin will continue a series of international meetings there.

He will meet with Li Hongzhong, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, continuing discussions on Russian-Chinese relations. During talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, Putin highlighted the strategic nature of the relationship between the two countries, which is at an unprecedented high level.

Russian-Laotian relations are also actively developing, and Putin’s meeting with Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will focus on this. At the end of July, Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith visited Moscow on an official visit. During talks, Putin noted that the two countries are developing trade and economic relations and cooperating on international platforms. In return, Sisoulith announced that on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Laos will gift Russia two pandas to live in the Saint Petersburg Zoo.

Putin will also pay attention to Russian-Mongolian relations, following contacts with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in China, and will have a conversation with Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene. Putin previously noted that political dialogue is developing between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar, as well as cooperation in defense and security. Additionally, Mongolia is an important trade partner for Russia.

Representatives of the three countries will be guests of honor at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum on September 5. As Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov previously stated, they will occupy seats in the presidium of the plenary session alongside Putin, speak, and answer questions.