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dpa
Beijing
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met in south-eastern China on Wednesday to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and developments in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has been in power since August.
During their talks in Tunxi in the Chinese province of Anhui, Lavrov briefed Wang Yi on what Russia calls the “special military operation” in Ukraine and assured him that his country wants to “reduce tensions” and continue peace talks.
China has given Russia political backing in the Ukraine war and has refused to condemn the invasion, portraying the US and the NATO alliance as the main causes of the crisis. Western powers are concerned China could provide material support in the war.
China’s foreign minister said the conflict in Ukraine was due to “the Cold War mentality” of Western nations.
Both sides emphasized the growing proximity between Russia and China.
Lavrov said it was a very difficult time in the history of international relations and that Russia, China and other like-minded countries are likely to strengthen relations to form a new world order, according to state news agency TASS.
“We will move together with you and other like-minded people towards a multi-polar, just and democratic world order,” Lavrov was quoted as saying.
The ministers’ second meeting this year “underlines the intensity and intimate nature of the bilateral regular dialogue,” he said.
“Cooperation between Russia and China has no borders,” Beijing’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told the press after the meeting.
“We work for peace without borders, maintain security without borders and reject hegemony,” he said.
The tensions regarding Ukraine have overshadowed the two-day talks about Afghanistan, which will also be attended by representatives of the United States, neighbouring countries and Afghanistan’s Taliban government.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and US special envoy for Afghanistan, Tom West, are taking part.
“It is critical that the international community remain united in its approach toward Afghanistan,” a State Department official said.
The Taliban would be urged “to support the formation of a truly inclusive government ... to uphold their counterterrorism commitments” and to rebuild the Afghan “economy to alleviate suffering of its people,” the official said.
Also scheduled is a meeting of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries - Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - who will then also meet with a representative of the Taliban government.
Beijing
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met in south-eastern China on Wednesday to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and developments in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has been in power since August.
During their talks in Tunxi in the Chinese province of Anhui, Lavrov briefed Wang Yi on what Russia calls the “special military operation” in Ukraine and assured him that his country wants to “reduce tensions” and continue peace talks.
China has given Russia political backing in the Ukraine war and has refused to condemn the invasion, portraying the US and the NATO alliance as the main causes of the crisis. Western powers are concerned China could provide material support in the war.
China’s foreign minister said the conflict in Ukraine was due to “the Cold War mentality” of Western nations.
Both sides emphasized the growing proximity between Russia and China.
Lavrov said it was a very difficult time in the history of international relations and that Russia, China and other like-minded countries are likely to strengthen relations to form a new world order, according to state news agency TASS.
“We will move together with you and other like-minded people towards a multi-polar, just and democratic world order,” Lavrov was quoted as saying.
The ministers’ second meeting this year “underlines the intensity and intimate nature of the bilateral regular dialogue,” he said.
“Cooperation between Russia and China has no borders,” Beijing’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told the press after the meeting.
“We work for peace without borders, maintain security without borders and reject hegemony,” he said.
The tensions regarding Ukraine have overshadowed the two-day talks about Afghanistan, which will also be attended by representatives of the United States, neighbouring countries and Afghanistan’s Taliban government.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and US special envoy for Afghanistan, Tom West, are taking part.
“It is critical that the international community remain united in its approach toward Afghanistan,” a State Department official said.
The Taliban would be urged “to support the formation of a truly inclusive government ... to uphold their counterterrorism commitments” and to rebuild the Afghan “economy to alleviate suffering of its people,” the official said.
Also scheduled is a meeting of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries - Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - who will then also meet with a representative of the Taliban government.
