Russian and Chinese FMs hold talks in Baku

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi held talks in Baku, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The top diplomats met on the sidelines of the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku.

"In the first eight months of this year, we have a 25% increase in trade [with China]. And this year, almost without a doubt, another record of our trade exchange will be broken," Lavrov said.

The diplomat noted that the strategic link between Moscow and Beijing plays an important stabilizing role in the international arena.

According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit the Chinese city of Shenzhen to take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, and the Russian side is looking forward to another meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"Our leaders remain in regular contact, overseeing work in all areas of our multifaceted partnership and strategic cooperation. Putin and Xi Jinping have already met twice this year, during the Russian president’s official visit to China, and in Bishkek, on the sidelines of the SCO meeting. Furthermore, the Russian leader will visit Shenzhen to attend the APEC summit next month," Lavrov said.

He stressed that Moscow is looking forward to another conversation with Xi Jinping.

"We have an excellent opportunity here to exchange opinions on how Russia and China will continue to carry out the tasks set by our leaders," Lavrov said.