Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s meeting with Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi

On June 10, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Nizhny Novgorod. 

The officials praised the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries, especially considering the growing global turbulence. They reviewed the implementation of the agreements reached by their countries’ leaders during the Beijing summit in May 2024, particularly on important areas of enhanced practical cooperation.

The ministers also exchanged opinions on the current status of BRICS and its long-term development prospects. Sergey Lavrov thanked the Chinese side for their support of Russia’s BRICS chairmanship. The ministers noted that the accession of new BRICS member states opened up new opportunities for this dialogue format, which can further strengthen the association on the international scene.

The foreign ministers expressed their readiness to expand mutual coordination at the UN and its Security Council, APEC and other key international organisations and dialogue mechanisms. Additionally, the ministers extensively discussed issues related to security and stability in the Asia Pacific region in the context of the US policy to establish an anti-Russia and anti-China military-political associations there. They also touched upon certain aspects of a new Eurasian security system, especially as Euro-Atlantic mechanisms continue to stagnate.

Sergey Lavrov expressed his gratitude to the Chinese partners for their balanced and consistent approach to the crisis around Ukraine, including Beijing’s decision not to send its representatives to the “peace conference” due to take place in Switzerland. This conference does not ensure Russia’s equitable involvement or fair consideration of all peace initiatives and current realities.

The conversation took place in a traditionally trust-based and constructive atmosphere.