China and Russia Pledge Closer Cooperation in East Asia
In a significant move to bolster regional stability, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday. The two leaders underscored the importance of enhanced communication and cooperation between China and Russia in East Asia, emphasizing their roles as key nations in the Asia-Pacific region and dialogue partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted the mature and resilient nature of China-Russia relations. “China-Russia relations are mature, stable, resilient, and independent, with solid political mutual trust, deepening strategic coordination, and broad cooperation prospects,” Wang stated. He expressed China’s readiness to work with Russia to uphold their longstanding friendship, firmly support each other, safeguard each other’s core interests, and remain committed partners in development and revitalization.
Wang also emphasized China’s willingness to collaborate with Russia to uphold an ASEAN-centered, open, and inclusive regional cooperation framework. “We aim to promote the existing East Asia mechanisms to deepen cooperation consensus and advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity,” he added.
Shared Vision for Regional Stability
Lavrov congratulated China on the successful conclusion of the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, noting its significance not only for China’s development but also for global economic recovery. Under the strategic guidance of their respective heads of state, Lavrov highlighted that Russia and China have maintained close communication, strengthened strategic collaboration, upheld a fair and just international order, practiced genuine multilateralism, and injected positive energy into building a multipolar world.
“Russia will work with China to support the centrality of ASEAN and prevent the interference and infiltration of external forces,” Lavrov affirmed.
Cooperation in Multilateral Mechanisms
The two sides expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS. Wang Yi conveyed China’s full support for Russia in its role as the rotating chair of BRICS and in preparing for the upcoming summit scheduled to be held in Kazan, Russia. In return, Lavrov stated that Russia fully supports China in assuming the rotating presidency of the SCO.
Commitment to Global Peace Efforts
Lavrov also congratulated China on successfully promoting the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity by Palestinian factions. He expressed Russia’s commitment to working towards restoring peace in the Middle East.
Reference(s):
China, Russia can communicate, cooperate in East Asia: Chinese FM
cgtn.com
