As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his heavily choreographed May 9 “Victory Day” military parade, he’s been clear who’s at the top of his guest list: Xi Jinping.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on May 8 and held his first meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, the Russian state news agency Ria Novosti reported. Xi is one of 27 leaders expected to attend the Victory Day parade in the Russian capital on May 9.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday in Moscow as a contingent of world leaders come to Russia as it celebrates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.