Lavrov Met with Xi Jinping To Discuss Putin’s Visit to China

July 16—On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting of foreign ministers in Tianjin, China, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met July 15 with Chinese President Xi Jinping, reported the Russian Foreign Ministry, “to discuss preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China, where he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over militaristic Japan.”

“Lavrov conveyed to the Chinese leader friendly greetings and best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The officials discussed multiple issues of highest- and high-level bilateral political contacts…. The President of the PRC welcomed the Russian leader’s upcoming visit and underscored that they share a long-standing friendship.”