Chinese and Russian ministers hold talks
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov in Beijing, and both sides expressed hope for strengthening practical cooperation in various fields.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, extended congratulations to President Putin on his reelection.
Wang on Tuesday said that China will continue to support Russia's development and revitalisation under the leadership of President Putin and support the Russian people's independent choice of development path.
Wang said that the China-russia relations have been of irreplaceable value to maintaining global strategic stability.
Maintaining and developing sound China-russia relations is the natural choice of the two major, neighbouring countries and serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples.
He said China is willing to work with Russia, in accordance with the consensus reached by the two heads of state, to strengthen the synergy of the two countries' development plans and promote practical cooperation in various fields.
Lavrov noted that Russia-china relations are based on mutual respect, equal cooperation and trustworthy dialogue.
Russia abides by the one-china principle and is willing to work with China to maintain close high-level exchanges, and deepen practical cooperation in economy, trade and other fields.
Russia supports the Global Security Initiative, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China on multilateral platforms to promote
Wang said that on the issue of Ukraine, China calls for ceasefire as soon as possible, and supports the timely convening of an international conference recognised by Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties and fair discussion of all peace plans.
the establishment of a more just and democratic international order, Lavrov added.
The two sides also had in-depth exchanges of view on the Ukraine issue, the Palestinian-israeli conflict, the situation in the Asia-pacific region and other international and regional issues of common concern.
At a joint press briefing after the talks, Wang said that in order to further consolidate and develop bilateral relations, China and Russia should follow five principles: The two countries should always follow the strategic guidance of head-ofstate diplomacy.
The two countries should always adhere to the principle of no-alliance, no-confrontation and no-targeting at any third party.
The two countries should always stay on the right course on major matters of principle.
As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major emerging countries, China and Russia actively respond to the common aspirations and legitimate concerns of the people of all countries, advocate a new path of state-to-state relations featuring dialogue and partnership rather than confrontation and alliance, and actively promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.