Qin Gang Meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

2023-03-02 22:00

On March 2, 2023 local time, Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.

Qin Gang said that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, China-Russia relations have maintained sound and steady development, setting a new paradigm for a new type of major-country relationship, and playing an important role in promoting solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries. The two sides should maintain exchanges at all levels and step up communication and coordination between their foreign ministries. In the face of the complex and grave international situation, China stands ready to work with Russia and other members of the international community to safeguard peace, security, development and prosperity, and join hands to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Lavrov said that he is ready to work with the Chinese side to follow through on the common understandings reached between the two heads of state, strengthen high-level exchanges and make good plans for cooperation in various fields. Russia and China are members of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations, and Russia is ready to strengthen strategic communication with China to inject more stability into the international system. Russia supports and will actively participate in the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and will continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the two sides within the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the BRICS and other multilateral organizations.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Qin Gang fully expounded on China’s basic position, calling for joint efforts to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, support a political settlement of the crisis, oppose fanning the flames and disrupting the peace talks, and object to double standards, sanctions and pressure. Qin Gang said that China supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard. Lavrov appreciated China’s objective and impartial position and constructive role, saying that Russia is always open to negotiations and dialogue.

The two sides also signed a consultation plan for 2023 between the foreign ministries of the two countries.