The Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergei Shoigu arrived in Beijing today for a one-day visit, during which he will hold meetings with Chinese leaders, world agencies report, BTA reports.
During his visit, Shoigu will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. A meeting has already been held between the Russian representative and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which the two emphasized the coincidence of Russia and China's positions on key regional and international issues.
The two countries have confirmed their solidarity within the framework of the UN, the Security Council, the G-20, APEC and other international organizations. Shoigu also expressed gratitude to Wang Yi for China's support within the BRICS format and other international structures.
The visit by Shoigu, a former Russian defense minister, comes shortly after a phone call between Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on February 24. During the call, the Chinese president welcomed Moscow's efforts to find a way out of the Ukrainian crisis.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia and China have significantly strengthened their military and trade ties. Although Beijing has tried to maintain neutrality in the conflict, it has never condemned the Russian invasion.