CHINA WELCOMES RUSSIAN GOVT’S WILLINGNESS TO HOLD DIALOGUE OVER CONFLICT

BEIJING: Russia has told China that it is willing to hold dialogue and return to negotiations with Ukraine and the US over the ongoing war in the eastern European country, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.

Moscow expressed its willingness to hold dialogue with Kyiv and Washington over the situation in Ukraine during a phone call between Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday.

“It is hoped that all parties concerned will increase diplomatic efforts and promote the easing and even settlement of the situation as soon as possible through negotiations and other political channels,” the spokesperson said while quoting from the conversation between the two ministers, adding Beijing welcomes Moscow’s decision to negotiate.

The two ministers also discussed the “issue of not allowing the use of weapons of mass destruction”, spokesperson Wang said.