Russian FM meets with Chinese President

Chinese President Xi Jinping received Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing today.

The Russian FM and the Chinese President discussed preparations for Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China, where he will attend the SCO summit and celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over militaristic Japan, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"Lavrov conveyed to the Chinese leader friendly greetings and best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin," the ministry said.

A number of issues related to bilateral political communication at the highest level were discussed, including preparations for the visit of the Russian head of state to China to participate in the SCO summit and the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over militaristic Japan.

"Xi welcomed the upcoming visit to China of the Russian leader, with whom he shares a long-standing and strong friendship," the statement reads.

Xi also praised Russian-Chinese relations and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with Moscow.

"Xi Jinping gave a high assessment of bilateral relations and reaffirmed the focus on further building up the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction with Russia," the ministry concluded.

Prior to that, the Chinese leader held a general meeting with the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Lavrov has been on a visit to China since July 13 to participate in a meeting of the SCO Foreign Ministers Council, underway in the city of Tianjin.