MOSCOW: China and Russia, as important countries in the Asia-Pacific region and dialogue partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), can maintain communication and coordination on East Asia cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Laos’ capital Vientiane on Thursday.
The Chinese foreign minister said that China-Russia relations are mature, stable, resilient and independent, with solid political mutual trust, deepening strategic coordination and broad cooperation prospects. In the face of the volatile and complex international situation and external disturbances and obstacles, China is ready to work with Russia to uphold the original aspiration of everlasting good neighborliness and friendship, firmly support each other, safeguard each other’s core interests, and remain each other’s good partner for development and revitalization, Wang added.
China is also willing to work with Russia to uphold the ASEAN-centered, open and inclusive regional cooperation architecture, promote the existing East Asia mechanism to deepen cooperation consensus, and promote regional peace, stability and prosperity, the Chinese foreign minister noted.
Lavrov offered congratulations on the successful conclusion of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, saying the world-renowned event is not only of great significance to China’s own development, but also to the global economic recovery.
He said under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Russia and China have maintained close communication, strengthened strategic collaboration, jointly upheld a fair and just international order, practiced genuine multilateralism, and injected positive energy into the building of a multipolar world.
Russia will work with China to support the centrality of ASEAN and prevent the interference and infiltration of external forces, he noted.
The two sides expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation within multilateral mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.
Wang said China fully supports Russia in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating chair of BRICS and preparing for the upcoming summit scheduled to be held in the Russian city of Kazan. Lavrov said Russia fully supports China in assuming the rotating presidency of the SCO.
Lavrov congratulated China on successfully promoting the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity by Palestinian factions, and said that Russia will work to restore peace in the Middle East.
