China and Russia said Thursday that the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, one of the basic norms governing international relations, should be upheld. 

In a phone conversation between Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the two sides also pledged to jointly maintain global and regional strategic stability.

Wang said that the current international situation makes it more urgent for the two countries to strengthen strategic communication. He added that the Chinese side completely agrees with Russia's view that China-Russia cooperation is all round without any restrictions.

The Chinese foreign minister said that China firmly supports Russia's measures on safeguarding national sovereignty and social stability, and China is willing to continue to work closely with Russia on issues regarding opposing interference in domestic affairs and false information.

As the two heads of state have agreed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, the two countries should send a clear message to the world that China and Russia will safeguard both countries' security as well as security of their neighboring areas.

Lavrov said that the importance of Russia-China relations has already gone beyond the scope of bilateral relations, carrying international and regional significance.

Russia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China on international and regional issues, resolutely support each other on issues regarding each other's core interests, and firmly defend multilateralism and maintain international and regional stability, he said.

Lavrov added that Russia is satisfied with the two countries' joint cooperation against the COVID-19 outbreak and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in terms of vaccine research and production as well as prevention and control of the pandemic.

(With input from Xinhua)