Development of Relations With China Russia’s Key Priority

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Tuesday ahead of the SCO foreign ministers' session.

TASHKENT (Sputnik) – Development of the Russia-China relations is Moscow’s key foreign policy priority, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Tuesday.

The two ministers met ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ session, set to be held later in the day in Tashkent.

"We believe that the development of our cooperation with China is a key foreign policy priority for our country," Lavrov said.

According to Lavrov, Moscow and Beijing have a common understanding of the steps that need to be undertaken to further improve the quality of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

"Our coordination in international affairs is an increasingly important factor in world politics," the Russian foreign minister said.

Wang, on his part, noted the importance of maintaining "high dynamics of contacts."

"We plan to support cooperation on international issues of common interest with Russia," the Chinese foreign minister said.

According to Wang, the two ministers are set to discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin upcoming visit to China scheduled to be held next month.