UPDATE - Senior Russian, Chinese officials hold consultations on strategic security in Moscow

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT BY CHINA

By Berk Kutay Gokmen and Elena Teslova

ISTANBUL/MOSCOW (AA) - Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergey Shoygu held consultations on strategic security with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow on Tuesday, according to his office.

The meeting started in a small, closed format and was later expanded.

The parties discussed pressing issues of international and regional security, the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres, and interaction between law enforcement agencies and special services.

According to a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, where Wang elaborated that China supports all efforts conducive to achieving peace, as well as reaching a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement.

Wang said that both sides should consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen good-neighborly friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and serve the economic development and national rejuvenation of both countries.

Both sides should continue to leverage the role of strategic security consultation, strengthen strategic communication and cooperation, and jointly address external challenges, he added.

Later on Tuesday, Wang also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.