Chinese, Russian foreign ministers meet in Beijing, discuss Israel-Palestine conflict

By Riyaz ul Khaliq and Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Chinese and Russian foreign ministers met in Beijing and discussed relations between their countries and the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Wang Yi hosted his counterpart Sergey Lavrov ahead of the third Belt and Road Forum for International (BRI) Cooperation.

Ahead of their meeting, Lavrov said: "We consider this project as an important part of promoting cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit throughout the Eurasian continent."

He further said that relations between the two countries are developing within the framework of the project, as well as other regional and international platforms such as the Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and ASEAN.

According to a statement by Beijing, Wang said: “China is willing to work with Russia to defend the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and uphold international fairness and justice.”

About the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Wang said China condemns all actions that harm civilians and opposes any practices that violate international law.

"It is necessary for the United Nations Security Council to take action, and major powers should play an active role," he said, adding the top priority should be to reach a cease-fire and end the war.

The two sides in the conflict should be pushed to return to the negotiating table, establish emergency humanitarian relief channels, and prevent greater humanitarian disasters, he added.

"The fundamental strategy is to activate the ‘two-state solution' as soon as possible... and road map for the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian nation," said the Chinese foreign minister.

Besides discussing bilateral and international issues, China and Russia are also preparing for a meeting between their presidents which is expected to take place this week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to travel to Beijing for talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Putin is also expected to attend the BRI forum.

Representatives from at least 140 nations and 30 international organizations are expected to attend the two-day international gathering starting Tuesday in Beijing.