Wang Yi Invites Russian Foreign Minister to Visit China to Discuss Ukraine and Middle East Situations

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on April 13 that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will conduct an official visit to China from April 14 to 15, following an invitation from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Russian media reported that the two foreign ministers will hold talks on a series of issues, including the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. Russia's Sputnik news agency simultaneously announced Lavrov's upcoming visit with China, stating that talks with Wang Yi would take place. The report indicated that the Russian and Chinese foreign ministers would discuss extensive bilateral cooperation topics and various international issues, including the Ukraine crisis and the Middle East situation. This visit follows a phone conversation between Wang Yi and Lavrov on April 5, where they exchanged views on the current Middle East situation. According to Xinhua News Agency, both sides advocated for the UN Security Council to play a constructive role in stabilizing the Middle East and stated that China and Russia would communicate and coordinate to promote a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities.