Wang Yi Meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

On September 16, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Dushanbe.

Wang Yi said, not long ago, Chinese and Russian foreign ministers jointly attended the commemoration of the 76th anniversary of the victory of World War II (WWII), making a loud voice that history should not be tampered with and truth should not be erased. China firmly supports Russia in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and taking measures to protect its state power, sovereignty and security. China is ready to work with Russia to safeguard the victorious outcomes of WWII and uphold international fairness and justice. The two sides should continue to advance anti-pandemic cooperation, achieve the annual bilateral trade target of 200 billion U.S. dollars at an early date, and write a new chapter in the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

Wang Yi said, China is ready to step up coordination with Russia on the Afghan issue and respond together, urging the Western countries led by the United States to shoulder their due responsibilities and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. China appreciates Russia's opposition to politicizing the origin tracing of the virus and human rights issues, and is ready to deepen back-to-back strategic coordination with Russia to enhance international cooperation against the pandemic. China and Russia should communicate and coordinate within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), jointly safeguard peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and jointly tackle various global challenges.

Lavrov said, the joint commemoration of the victory of WWII proves once again the unbreakable friendship forged on the battlefield and indestructible partnership between the two countries. The two sides should continue to advance anti-pandemic cooperation, promote practical exchanges and expand trade volumes. Russia firmly supports China's positions on issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Xizang and human rights. Origin tracing of the virus is a scientific issue and should not be used as an instrument for political pressure. Russia supports China in hosting the Beijing Olympic Winter Games and wishes Chinese athletes more achievements in the Games. Russia is willing to work with China to push for greater influence of the SCO, strengthen coordination on the Afghan issue, jointly safeguard peace and stability in Central Asia, jointly address global issues such as information security, biosecurity and cybercrime in the United Nations and other multilateral arenas, and step up coordination and cooperation in Asia-Pacific affairs.