China, Russia pledge closer ties in Moscow talks

China and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic coordination during high-level talks in Moscow on Tuesday, pledging to advance bilateral relations under the guidance of their heads of state.

The pledge was made during talks between visiting Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination between their foreign ministries and prepare for various levels of diplomatic exchanges throughout the year.

The two countries agreed to deepen practical cooperation in multiple sectors and jointly promote the upcoming China-Russia Years of Culture.

The two sides vowed to enhance coordination within the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, the G20, and the United Nations to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries.

On the Ukraine crisis, Lavrov said that Russia aims to address the root causes of the crisis and is committed to building a lasting Eurasian security architecture.

In response, Wang emphasized that China supports all efforts conducive to securing peace and is willing to continue working through the Friends for Peace group to build international consensus and contribute constructively to the political settlement of the crisis.

The two sides also coordinated their positions on the current international situation, particularly developments in the Asia-Pacific region.