 "Russia's Lavrov meets China's Xi Jinping in Beijing for first time in 6 years; Here's what they discussed")
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is on a two-day Beijing visit, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday. During the meeting, Lavrov said Beijing would continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with Moscow and that the two nations stand on the side of “fairness and justice”.
Lavrov praised the positive outcomes in various areas that China has achieved over the years, especially in the last decade under the leadership of Xi.
“We are sincerely happy with these successes, since these are the successes of friends, although not everyone in the world shares this attitude and is trying to slow down China’s development in every possible way. Actually, like the development of Russia,” the Russian diplomat said.
Lavrov’s visit to Beijing comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin last month suggested he was considering China for his first overseas trip after extending his one-man rule with a stage-managed election victory in March this year.
Lavrov conveys greeting to Xi from Putin
During the meeting, Lavrov conveyed a greeting to Xi from Russian President Vladimir Putin and said the Kremlin incumbent “very much appreciated (Xi’s) congratulatory message following the presidential elections in March this year.”
“The re-election of President Putin guarantees the continuity of our relations and the goal of a new development of relations in all areas,” Lavrov told Xi.
Impact Shorts
View AllThe Russian foreign minister further said he was convinced that the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Russian-Chinese diplomatic relations “will be celebrated with dignity”, and Russia and China will be “ready to implement new strategic challenges posed by our leaders”.
Lavrov a ’long-term friend of Chinese people’
Xi asked Lavrov to convey sincere words of greeting to the president of Russia.
The Chinese president also noted that Lavrov is “an experienced diplomat and long-time friend of the Chinese people” who “has done an excellent job in promoting relations.”
Xi went on to say that Beijing and Moscow “have embarked on a path of peaceful coexistence” and are working to achieve mutually beneficial cooperation “in the interests of the progressive and sustainable development of bilateral relations.”
When will Putin-Xi meet?
Meanwhile, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked by reporters if Lavrov’s visit to Beijing could be seen as preparation for possible Putin visit to China, to which he said: “Indeed, such contacts are planned and there is an understanding of their expediency and necessity, given the high level of friendly relations between the Russian Federation and China.”
“But we still consider it premature to specify any time frames. We will inform you about everything as soon as we are ready.”
Why Xi-Lavrov meeting is making news?
Lavrov and Xi met for the first time in six years. The two last met in 2018.
However, the meeting held significance as heads of state do not necessarily meet with visiting ministers.
With inputs from agencies
 "'Trump tariffs were a threat and India, rightly, did not succumb to it': Jeffrey Sachs")
 "Jaishankar to visit Moscow to hold talks with Sergey Lavrov on August 21, says Russia")
 "Trump, Putin to meet at Alaska’s largest military base: Why was this remote site chosen?")
 "Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi to visit India next week for talks with NSA Doval")
 "'Trump tariffs were a threat and India, rightly, did not succumb to it': Jeffrey Sachs")
 "Jaishankar to visit Moscow to hold talks with Sergey Lavrov on August 21, says Russia")
 "Trump, Putin to meet at Alaska’s largest military base: Why was this remote site chosen?")
 "Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi to visit India next week for talks with NSA Doval")
