SOCHI, Russia — State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov agreed on May 13 to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between the two countries.

At a meeting here with Lavrov, Wang recalled that Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing last month.

At their first meeting this year, the two leaders planned the direction in which bilateral ties will develop, and made a good start for jointly celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Wang said.

Calling the China-Russia relations a rare bright spot in a chaotic world, Wang warned of the negative effects of unilateralism and defaming other countries.

It is imperative for China and Russia, two responsible major countries, to strengthen strategic coordination in a changing and turbulent world to safeguard their rightful interests and join in international efforts to maintain global peace and stability, said Wang.

Lavrov said Russia always deems relations with China as its first priority in diplomacy, which conforms to Russia’s long-term interests.

China is Russia’s important and key partner in the international arena, said Lavrov, adding that Russia stands ready to strengthen strategic cooperation with China, jointly promote world stability and advance multi-polarization.

Both sides agreed to make sound preparations for future meetings of the leaders and other important exchanges.

Wang and Lavrov also exchanged views on global strategic stability, the UN issue, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the Venezuelan crisis, the Iran nuclear deal, and the Afghan issue.