Russian and Chinese FMs meet in Beijing

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Thursday, ahead of the summit between the Russian and Chinese presidents. Lavrov and Wang discussed global and regional issues including Afghanistan, the situation in the Korean Peninsula and in the Asia Pacific, according to the Russian foreign ministry.

Lavrov also wished China success in holding the Beijing Winter Olympics, and reaffirmed Russia's position against a U.S.-led diplomatic boycott of the Games amidst criticism of human rights abuses. On Thursday, Lavrov and Wang also signed plans for consultations in the current year.