Goa, 5 May 2023 (TDI): Chinese Foreign Minister Qing Gang met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization- Council of Foreign Ministers (SCO-CFM) Meeting.
Qing Gang stated that since the visit by President Xi Jinping to Russia, exchanges at all levels between the two countries have become active, and cooperation between the countries related to various fields has started.
Sergey Lavrov said that the visit by President Xi Jinping had provided a boost to the bilateral relationship between the two countries. He added that Russia is ready to cooperate with China in various areas.
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Both Foreign Ministers agreed to arrange high-level exchanges and strengthen trade and economic ties, people-to-people relationships, and cultural exchanges.
Strengthening SCO by increasing coordination and communication with the member countries and making it a united platform for mutually beneficial cooperation among members was discussed.
Both sides agreed to strengthen SCO and BRICS through enhanced communication and coordination. Both sides agreed on opposing hegemony, and protecting the interests of developing countries and emerging markets.
Both countries have become ever closer since the start of the Ukraine war. In an important economic development, China’s Yuan has replaced the dollar as the most traded currency in Asia.
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Both sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, oppose a new Cold War and maintain stability and peace. Last year both countries conducted joint military exercise Vostok 22
The Ukraine crisis was also discussed between the Foreign Ministers.
Qing Gang said that China will keep promoting peace through dialogue and coordinate with Russia for a political resolution to the conflict.
Sergey Lavrov said that Russia agrees with China’s Principled position regarding the Ukraine crisis.
Last month China announced that it will send its Eurasia representative to Ukraine and other states that are party to the conflict.