Lavrov about the Russian-Chinese strategic cooperation
In an interview with China Daily, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke about Russian-Chinese bilateral relations, counterterrorism efforts and coordination of global relations. Being one day in China, Lavrov, in office for nearly 11 years, said he is committed to a polycentric democratic world based on the fundamental principles of international law. Here are the most important passages of the interview with Sergei Lavrov:
"China and Russia have been engaged in the political, economic and military strategy globally. What is your assessment of these relations of cooperation between China and Russia?
In the recent years, the strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation between Russia and China reached an unprecedented level, which is beneficial for the development of our countries and to improve their international role.
The highest degree of mutual trust was reached, primarily in the political sphere, a fact attested by regular confidential meetings, which is a good basis for progress in each area.
China is Russia's main trading partner. According to figures from last year, despite adverse trends in the world economy, it managed to maintain a high trade volume. In fact, it has reached $88.8 billion. There is also an increase in mutual investments. We are strengthening our energy cooperation agreements and implementing strategic oil reserves growth from Russia, in China. In addition, China has embarked on a project for the production of gas in the Russian Arctic shelf.
Strengthening the military ties, including joint exercises regularly, is another remarkable indication on the special nature of our bilateral relations. The Russian and Chinese marine missions cooperate closely in the guard convoys carrying chemical weapons to Syria.
A close cooperation on the international stage is the most important aspect of the Chinese-Russian strategic partnership. Our countries support a polycentric democratic world, based on the fundamental principles of international law, the UN being the central coordinator. It is essential that, in a complex and unpredictable global context today, we understand and respect each other's interests and concerns.
Russia and China attaches great importance to cooperation in multilateral formats, including the UN, G20, BRICS, SCO and trilateral Russia-India-China (RIC), mainly on increased efficiency of responses to global threats and challenges, as well as promoting sustainable development."
