Rio de Janeiro, April 29, 2025 – The Europe Today: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to discuss key issues concerning bilateral relations and the ongoing Ukraine crisis.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that despite the rapidly evolving international situation, the mutual trust and support between China and Russia remain steadfast. He highlighted the importance of the strategic leadership of both countries and called for continued efforts to strengthen cooperation across various fields.
Underscoring the rising strategic importance of BRICS cooperation, Wang noted that in the face of global uncertainties, China and Russia, as founding members, should reinforce coordination within the BRICS framework. He urged efforts to deepen collaboration among developing countries and emerging economies, enhance the influence of BRICS Plus, and contribute to building a more just and equitable global governance system.
Lavrov, for his part, stressed the necessity of maintaining close communication between Russia and China in response to the shifting global landscape. He expressed Russia’s readiness to work closely with China in preparing for important exchanges between the two heads of state in the coming stages. Lavrov also emphasized the two countries’ mutual support for commemorating the 80th anniversaries of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War and China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
The Russian foreign minister reiterated Moscow’s commitment to safeguarding the international order, upholding the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, and resisting unilateral actions and bullying.
On the Ukraine crisis, Lavrov provided an update on recent developments and reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to engage in unconditional peace talks with Ukraine, aiming to address the root causes of the conflict. He also announced that Russia would implement a temporary ceasefire around May 9, commemorating the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War. Wang, in response, reiterated China’s consistent position advocating for peace and dialogue.
The two ministers further discussed enhancing cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the G20. They also exchanged views on other international and regional issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
