BEIJING, Feb. 14 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Wednesday that China is intensifying communication with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members on preparations for the SCO summit to be held in Qingdao in June.

Geng said that China will work with related parties to make the summit a success to inject new driving force into the development of the regional organization.

When commenting on reports that the next Russian president is expected to attend the summit, Geng said China welcomes the attendance by then new president of Russia, as Russia is an important member of the SCO.

A total of eight people, including President Vladimir Putin, have been officially confirmed as running for Russia's March 18 presidential elections.

Geng said that the presidents of China and Russia exchange visits annually, and the two leaders also maintain close contact via bilateral or multilateral meetings, letters, and phone calls.

He said that China believes the leaders of China and Russia will continue close contact this year to guide development of the bilateral relationship to a high level.