On the 10th, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Kuala Lumpur. Wang Yi stated that as important dialogue partners of ASEAN, China and Russia should strengthen strategic coordination on East Asian cooperation platforms, supporting a regional cooperation framework that is ASEAN-centered, open, and inclusive.
Lavrov said that both Russia and China support ASEAN’s central role in regional cooperation and are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, while remaining vigilant against certain major countries creating division and inciting confrontation in the region.
The two sides exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue. Lavrov elaborated on the Russian position and considerations. Wang Yi stated that force cannot bring peace, pressure cannot resolve problems, and dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental solution. China values Iran’s commitment not to seek the development of nuclear weapons, and also respects Iran's right, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. As permanent members of the Security Council and important participants in the comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue, China and Russia should continue to strengthen strategic coordination, promote the political and diplomatic process to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, jointly safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation system, and work towards the early realization of peace and stability in the Middle East.
Lavrov stated that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Russia and China maintain close coordination and cooperation, demonstrating the global and strategic nature of their relationship, which is particularly important under the current circumstances. Both Russia and China support ASEAN’s central role in regional cooperation, are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and are alert to certain major countries creating division and inciting confrontation in the region. Russia will fully support China’s rotating chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, jointly prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and strengthen communication and coordination within the BRICS framework and other platforms.