Russia has pledged its full support for China as it prepares to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen. This commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, multilateral cooperation, and addressing key international and regional issues.
Wang Yi highlighted that the productive meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this year have set a strategic direction for the ongoing development of the comprehensive partnership between the two nations. He expressed confidence that with Russia’s support, China’s APEC host year would be successful, enhancing regional cooperation and promoting economic development throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Emphasizing the importance of multilateralism, Wang pointed out the collaborative efforts between China and Russia within organizations such as the United Nations and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. These efforts aim to improve global governance and strengthen international cooperation.
Lavrov echoed these sentiments, noting that the relationship between Moscow and Beijing continues to thrive across various sectors under their leaders’ guidance. He reiterated Russia’s support for China’s role in hosting the APEC meeting and expressed Moscow’s readiness to enhance coordination with Beijing through platforms like the United Nations, G20, APEC, and BRICS.
During their meeting, the foreign ministers also exchanged views on upcoming high-level diplomatic engagements and discussed regional and international challenges. This dialogue underscores the ongoing strategic coordination between China and Russia, focusing on addressing global economic and political issues together.