Senior Chinese and Russian officials agree on stronger bilateral cooperation

Russian former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Shoigu, who is currently secretary of Russia’s Security Council, met Wang in Beijing on Tuesday.

China’s Foreign Ministry says they have extensively discussed strategic security issues and reached new common understandings.

Wang told Shoigu that the two countries should remain firmly united and continue to work together to protect their common interests as the international situation becomes more complicated and the two countries face increasing external challenges.

Shoigu reportedly said that Russia hopes to promote close cooperation with China.