Beijing: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov embarked on a two-day visit to Beijing, marking a significant diplomatic rendezvous as he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday. Amidst cordial exchanges, Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s commitment to bolster strategic cooperation with Beijing, emphasizing the shared principles of “fairness and justice” between the two nations.
Acknowledging China’s commendable progress under Xi’s leadership, Lavrov expressed sincere appreciation for the strides made by the Chinese government over the past decade, despite international attempts to impede their development trajectory.
In a gesture of diplomatic camaraderie, Lavrov conveyed warm regards from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Xi, underscoring the significance of their enduring friendship amidst global shifts. Lavrov further highlighted Putin’s assurance of continuity and advancement in bilateral relations following his recent re-election, ensuring a steadfast pursuit of shared objectives.
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Xi, in turn, extended heartfelt greetings to Putin through Lavrov, acknowledging the Russian foreign minister’s longstanding dedication to fostering amicable ties between the two nations. Emphasizing Lavrov’s role as a trusted diplomat and ally of the Chinese people, Xi commended his efforts in nurturing bilateral relations and fostering mutual cooperation.
Reflecting on the historic milestone of the 75th anniversary of Russo-Chinese diplomatic relations, Lavrov expressed confidence in commemorating the occasion with dignity, affirming both nations’ readiness to tackle emerging strategic challenges in alignment with their leaders’ directives.
Amidst speculation about a potential meeting between Putin and Xi, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov hinted at forthcoming high-level exchanges, affirming the enduring friendship and shared interests between Russia and China. While concrete timelines remain undisclosed, the prospect of future engagements underscores the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The reunion between Lavrov and Xi after a six-year hiatus garnered attention, underscoring the significance of their discussions amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. As heads of state meetings are not routine during ministerial visits, the diplomatic dialogue between Lavrov and Xi assumes heightened importance in shaping the trajectory of Russo-Chinese relations.
