By Riyaz ul Khaliq
ISTANBUL (AA) – China on Friday expressed hope that the US and Russia would resolve their bilateral issues through dialogue.
“We hope that the US and Russia can resolve bilateral issues through communication and dialogue, which is beneficial to international and regional peace and stability,” said Lin Jian, the spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry.
He was responding to the biggest prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War era. The prisoner swap was mediated by Türkiye.
“The US and Russia are permanent members of the UNSC and influential major powers,” said Lin.
Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) on Thursday led a successful prisoner exchange involving seven countries in one of the most extensive swap operations in recent years.
A total of 26 individuals were exchanged and transported to the Turkish capital Ankara on seven aircraft — one each from Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Russia, and two from the US, according to security sources. Belarus was also involved in the swap.
Ten hostages, including two children, were transferred to Russia, while 13 were sent to Germany, and three to the US.