China to promote 'greater BRICS cooperation' to get off to good start with Russia

China is ready to work with Russia to consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership, advance the unity and self-strength of the Global South and promote "greater BRICS cooperation" to get off to a good start, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

The development of China-Russia relations is a strategic choice made by both sides based on their respective fundamental interests, said Wang, adding that it conforms to the general trend of the world and the times, and does not target any third party and won't be interfered by external disruption.

He said China will work with Russia to tap the potential for cooperation and address external disruption to promote the stability and long-term development of bilateral relations.

Noting that BRICS is an important platform for solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, Wang said the expanded BRICS mechanism will play a key and essential role in a more just and reasonable global governance system.

China is willing to fully support Russia's BRICS Chairmanship and will make a stronger voice in upholding multilateralism and promoting common development, said Wang.

For his part, Lavrov said Russia is ready to maintain close high-level exchanges, strengthen cooperation in various fields with China and jointly organize activities for the China-Russia Years of Culture.

He said Russia is willing to cooperate closely with China regarding multilateral platforms, such as the United Nations Security Council and strengthen diplomatic coordination.

The two sides also exchanged views on global and regional situations and the Ukraine crisis.