On February 23, 2015, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of Russia at the UN headquarters in New York.

Wang Yi said the heads of state of the two countries met 5 times last year, and they will also have several meetings on important bilateral and multilateral occasions this year. The close exchanges between the two heads of state ensure that the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination always develops at a high level. The two sides should work with the international community to well hold a series of commemorative activities for the 70th anniversary of the victory of the world anti-fascist war and the founding of the UN so as to safeguard the fruits of the victory of World War II and international fairness and justice. The two sides should also earnestly fulfill the responsibilities as permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in maintaining international peace and security. I thank you for making a special trip to attend the UNSC open debate today. This reflects the mutual support between China and Russia as comprehensive strategic partners of coordination.

Lavrov said the Russian side fully supports China's initiative to convene the UNSC open debate which is very timely and necessary to launch the series of commemorative activities for the 70th anniversary of the victory of World War II this year. It is conducive to sending out a positive signal that we shall never forget the heroes of World War II and never distort the historical justice and that we must adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The Russian side is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges and mutual support with China, as well as strengthen communication and coordination on major international and regional hotspot issues.