Amid heightened global concern over the situation in Iran, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Beijing on the 15th, stating that as the international situation grows increasingly turbulent and complex, China and Russia need to engage in closer and stronger strategic cooperation to firmly defend both countries' legitimate interests. Lavrov indicated that Russia can help China fill the energy shortfall caused by the conflict in the Middle East, and revealed that President Putin will visit China in the first half of this year.
Lavrov visited China from the 14th to the 15th. Russia is an important partner of Iran, and the two sides are reported to have close military cooperation; Lavrov's visit is seen as aimed at strengthening coordination with Beijing over the Iran situation. After war broke out in Iran at the end of February, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s first external call was made to Lavrov.
On the morning of the 15th, Xi Jinping met with Lavrov at the Great Hall of the People, noting that in the face of a turbulent and complex international landscape, the stability and certainty of China-Russia relations are especially valuable. China and Russia should engage in closer and stronger strategic cooperation, resolutely defend their legitimate interests, maintain the unity of Global South countries, and demonstrate the responsibility of major powers and UN Security Council permanent members.
● Putin Plans to Visit China in the First Half of the Year
Xi Jinping stated that both sides should maintain strategic resolve, trust and support each other, develop together, and focus on managing their own affairs well. They should fully leverage the advantages of proximity and complementarity, deepen all-round cooperation, and enhance their respective development resilience. The two sides should strengthen multilateral coordination, firmly uphold and practice multilateralism, and work together to revitalize the authority and vitality of the United Nations.
Lavrov said that Russia is willing to work together with China to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders, maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen practical cooperation, promote cultural exchange, safeguard international fairness and justice, and push for greater development of Russia-China relations. Citing Russian state media, Agence France-Presse reported that Lavrov said the Iran conflict has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, and Russia can make up for the energy shortfall faced by China and other countries willing to cooperate with Russia, adding that Putin is set to visit China in the first half of this year.