China and Russia will work together to “enhance the international influence of
BRICS”, a group of 10 developing economies, as Russia takes the chair this year, according to readouts of a phone call between Chinese Foreign Minister
Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday, South China Morning Post
reported.
The two sides will also step up communication and coordination relating to the Israel-Gaza war to push for an immediate ceasefire and the smooth delivery of humanitarian aid.
China and Russia should also make a joint effort towards realising a two-state solution, a framework supported by the United Nations that would see the creation of the independent state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel, Wang said, according to a readout from China’s foreign ministry.
“China fully supports Russia, which assumes BRICS chairmanship this year, in hosting a successful Brics summit, and stands ready to make joint efforts with Russia to enhance the international influence of BRICS, and lift BRICS cooperation to a new level,” the readout said.
Russia is set to host the BRICS summit in the western city of Kazan in October under the slogan “Strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security”.
According to the Chinese readout, Lavrov said Russia was willing to work with China to promote BRICS cooperation and was willing to strengthen communication and coordination on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East.
