BEIJING, Jan. 20 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games in Russia, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"This will be the first time a Chinese President has attended such a major international sports event hosted in another country," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said on Monday. Xi will be in Russia from Feb. 6 to 8.

The spokesman underscored China's high regard for and active participation in the Olympics.

President Xi's attendance at the opening ceremony in Sochi shows China's support for the Olympics as well as Russia's work to host the games, Qin said, wishing the games success and athletes good performances.

The 22nd Winter Olympics are due to take place from Feb. 7 to 23 with 98 sets of medals to be contested.