Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed his commitment to further deepen strategic ties with Russia during a high-level meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to Moscow.
The meeting, held ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Council session in Tianjin, marked a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the two nations. During the talks, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, underscoring his dedication to expanding the bilateral relationship. He also expressed anticipation for President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China, highlighting the “long-standing and good friendship” between the two leaders.
The discussion covered several key international and regional topics, though the Russian Foreign Ministry did not disclose specific details. Both leaders addressed bilateral political contacts, including preparations for Putin’s visit, which coincides with the SCO Heads of State Council meeting on September 1. Additionally, the visit will coincide with events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II, a significant milestone in the region’s history.
Earlier, Lavrov met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, and both ministers expressed satisfaction with the state of the comprehensive partnership between Russia and China. Wang Yi stated that the relationship was “the most stable, mature and strategically valuable major-country relationship in the world,” according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry press release. The two leaders’ discussions reflect a broader trend of cooperation and alignment between the two nations, particularly in light of their shared geopolitical interests and challenges.
As Lavrov prepares to take part in the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Council on Tuesday, the meeting will also focus on the organization’s future direction and key regional and global issues. This includes preparations for the leaders’ summit in September, underscoring the strategic importance of the SCO in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.