Regional summit to focus on ways to stabilize Afghanistan

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will seek to boost trade relations with Beijing here next week and also discuss international efforts to stabilize Afghanistan with leaders from China and other Central Asian nations.

Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Guangya on Friday confirmed that Putin will visit Beijing Monday through Wednesday.

After Putin's talks with Premier Wen Jiabao and President Hu Jintao, a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) regional summit at the premier's level will review international efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, Wang said.