Lavrov calls for stepping up efforts on every track of Russian-Chinese interaction

SAMARKAND. April 13 (Interfax) - Moscow-Beijing relations are demonstrating stability, yet it is necessary to step up efforts on every track of bilateral interaction, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Samarkand on Thursday.

"Our relations are demonstrating stability. The frequent meetings are absolutely relevant under the circumstances, as it is important to compare our positions. The results of a visit of the Chinese president to Russia less than a month ago are yet another confirmation of the potential of our strategic interaction and comprehensive partnership," Lavrov said.

"Indeed, the decisions made back then, which could be described as historic without exaggeration, require intensification of our efforts in every area of interaction, both in terms of deepening bilateral cooperation and in relation to regional and international problems," he said.

Hence, the current meeting is quite timely, Lavrov said. "I am glad we have another chance to communicate," he said.

In turn, Qin said that "the international situation is changing right before our eyes, which dictates the need to maintain strategic contacts between Russia and China." "The Chinese side is ready to promote high dynamics of bilateral relations together with Russian partners in fulfillment of the important agreements reached at the summit level," he said.

The foreign ministers of Russia, China and Iran and the Pakistani minister of state for foreign affairs met on the sidelines of a ministerial conference of Afghanistan's neighbors. The conference will be held on Thursday afternoon.