Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli is heading to Russia on Monday for the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee and the China-Russia SME Forum.

Issues such as the implementation of energy projects are expected to be on the table. According to an official press release of the meeting, the alignment between China's Silk Road Economic Belt with the Russian-initiated Eurasian Economic Union will provide new opportunities for energy cooperation.

The two countries co-chaired the previous energy meeting in Beijing last November, reaching an agreement to draw up a long-term plan to ensure sustainable energy development and cooperation. The Vice Premier will also visit Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.