РУССКИЙ
16:39 09.04.2024 •
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi, Beijing, April 9, 2024.
Photo: Russian MFA
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi, Beijing, April 9, 2024:
«Mr Minister,
Friends,
You began your opening remarks by mentioning the recent presidential elections in the Russian Federation. These elections took place amidst significant external pressure from the West and a surge in terrorist attacks by the Kiev regime. There has been a rise in the shelling of Russian cities, resulting in civilian casualties. Additionally, numerous hacking attempts targeting Russia’s election system have been recorded. However, the voting process was successful, with no obstacles impeding the free and fair expression of the Russian voters’ will. This was corroborated by the delegation of observers from the Chinese government. We appreciate the participation of your observers in this crucial event in Russia.
As you mentioned, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping was one of the first to extend congratulations to President-elect Vladimir Putin. We express our gratitude to our Chinese friends for their support in upholding the sovereign rights of Russians as enshrined in the Constitution. The election outcomes underscored the profound trust that the Russian people place in their leader and his domestic and foreign policies. This includes our commitment to enhance strategic cooperation and partnership with China.
We see that thanks to the efforts of our leaders, the Russian-Chinese relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction have reached, without any exaggeration, an unprecedented level. With Vladimir Putin’s re-election, the continuity of the line for their comprehensive strengthening has received additional guarantees.
We noticed the high assessment that you personally gave to ties between Russia and China at a news conference in March of this year. We fully share this assessment.
Our strategic partnership is founded upon the principles of respectful, equitable, and trust-based dialogue, along with mutual support on issues related to the core interests of both countries. As repeatedly stated by our leaders, our cooperation has outmatched the military-political alliance of the Cold War era and is not aimed against any third country. The proximity and, in most cases, convergence of Russia and China’s foreign policy approaches to solving the key problems of the modern age are laying the foundation for enhancing strategic coordination on the global scale. Cooperation in international affairs enables us to address common tasks more efficiently both at home and abroad.
As you said, Mr Minister, we are currently focused on shaping a more just multipolar international order and on promoting inclusive and constructive cooperation formats, such as BRICS and the SCO. Also, we are working to consolidate the nations of the Global South to ensure greater fairness and equality in global affairs.
As we mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and China, numerous projects are being implemented, including the Russia-China Years of Culture. These are the opportunities that make it possible to involve broad strata of the public in bilateral interaction and promote mutual understanding and friendship between our nations.
I want to thank the Chinese side for their condolences in connection with the terrorist attack in the Moscow Region on March 22, and for their support of Russia’s fight against terrorism. All those involved will certainly suffer punishment. Our cooperation on counterterrorism will continue, including within the framework of multilateral institutions.»
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