China, Russia pledge to boost ties, SCO cooperation

GOA, India -- China and Russia have agreed to further develop bilateral relations and build the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) into a platform for mutually beneficial cooperation.

At a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Thursday on the sidelines of the SCO foreign minsters' meeting, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said the two countries have conducted frequent exchanges at all levels and strengthened cooperation in various fields.

Both sides agreed to enhance communication with other SCO members and maintain solidarity in order to build the SCO into a platform for mutually beneficial cooperation.

They agreed to strengthen communication and coordination in the Asia-Pacific region, oppose a new "Cold War" and safeguard regional peace and stability.

The two sides also exchanged views on the crisis in Ukraine.