Xi Jinping meets Russian FM Lavrov, reaffirms strategic partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing on Tuesday, reaffirming the strong momentum of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership.  

Xi asked Lavrov to convey his warm greetings to President Vladimir Putin and emphasized the importance of fully implementing the key consensus reached between the two heads of state.

He stressed the need for continued mutual support on multilateral platforms, safeguarding both countries' development and security interests, and strengthening solidarity with Global South countries to promote a more just and equitable international order.

Xi highlighted the strategic significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), jointly established by countries including China and Russia, in safeguarding peace, stability and development across the Eurasian continent. 

The Chinese president urged joint efforts to support the SCO's development, inject fresh momentum and build the organization into a strategic platform for regional cooperation.

Lavrov, conveying President Putin's sincere greetings, noted that under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, Russia-China relations continue to deepen.  

He reaffirmed Russia's strong commitment to developing ties with China and expressed the hope to maintain high-level exchanges during this year, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.  

Lavrov also emphasized the need for enhanced coordination in regional and international affairs and voiced firm support for China's rotating presidency of the SCO, pledging to work together to ensure the success of the upcoming SCO summit in Tianjin.