Beijing: China's President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for 'closer' and 'stronger' strategic coordination with Russia to defend the two countries' interests and safeguard unity among the Global South, state media reported. Xi made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

According to Anadolu Agency, Xi urged both countries to shoulder their responsibilities as major powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council. He emphasized that the stability and certainty of China-Russia relations are particularly valuable amid a changing and turbulent international landscape.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Xi welcomed Lavrov's visit, praising the 'unprecedented level' of development in bilateral relations. Xi noted the significant results achieved over the past 30 years since the signing of the Treaty on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between Russia and China on July 16, 2001.

Lavrov conveyed greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is preparing to pay an official visit to China in the first half of the year. The ministry highlighted Lavrov's emphasis on the 'guiding role' of leadership diplomacy in the comprehensive advancement of Russian-Chinese relations across all areas.

Lavrov arrived in Beijing on a two-day visit on Tuesday, where he also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.