Chinese, Russian FMs discuss bilateral ties

MOSCOW - Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov here on Friday, and the two sides reached broad consensus on boosting their strategic partnership.

During the meeting, Yang noted that in recent years the China- Russia relations have witnessed rapid, sound and steady growth under the guidance of the two countries' top leaders.

Political mutual trust has kept increasing, pragmatic cooperation in all fields has yielded fruits, and the two sides have maintained close communication and coordination on international and regional affairs, the minister noted.

China and Russia as strategic partners have created opportunities for each other's development, Yang observed, adding that bilateral ties have entered a new stage with great prospects.

At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese president will soon pay a state visit to Russia, said Yang.

"Through joint efforts, the upcoming visit is expected to add new impetus to the further development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination," the top Chinese diplomat added.

The two sides should implement key agreements reached by the top leaders, keep the momentum of high-level communications, expand consensus and further deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation in all fields, Yang suggested.

Meanwhile, the two countries should strengthen coordination within such frameworks as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO) and the Group of 20 (G20), take full advantage of their strategic ties and cooperation, and promote common development for a win-win end, he added.

He also noted that leaders of both countries will participate in the BRICS summit to be held in Durban, South Africa on March 26- 27.

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with other BRICS nations, namely Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, and contribute to world peace, stability and development, he stressed.

Lavrov, for his part, pointed out that the Russia-China strategic partnership has been growing constantly with fruitful multi-layer cooperation.

The two sides also share similar views on certain major international and regional issues, he added.

President Putin attaches great importance to the forthcoming state visit by the Chinese president, for which the Russian side has been making careful preparations to ensure full success, Lavrov said.

The Russian minister also noted that Russia will work with China to arrange a series of high-level bilateral events this year, and further strengthen bilateral coordination and strategic cooperation within the frameworks of SCO, BRICS and G20.

Yang, who came to Moscow at the invitation of Lavrov, earlier paid an official visit to South Africa. He also met here with President Putin, with both sides pledging to further promote bilateral ties.