Russian foreign minister congratulates Chinese counterpart for Politburo election

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia's foreign minister on Tuesday congratulated his Chinese counterpart's election to that country's ruling body in a meeting on the sidelines of G-20 Summit in Indonesia.

In their discussion, Sergey Lavrov said Wang Yi's election to the Central Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party was a "high appreciation" of the top diplomat's merits.

Lavrov also said Moscow was happy about the re-election of Chairman Xi Jinping, whom he called "an old friend of the Russian people," and that unanimous support from the party confirmed his "indisputable political authority and support for the course he pursues."

Responding to Wang's wishes of health, Lavrov said reports on Monday about his hospitalization were "fake," and that he was preparing to take part in the ongoing summit.

In this regard, Wang noted that personal communication should remain the main format for exchanging opinions.

"Despite any discrepancies, it is important to sit face to face, to abandon such indecent formats as spreading false information," he said.

The Chinese foreign minister also reaffirmed Beijing's support for "Russia's worthy role" in the G-20 and other international platforms, adding that none could take away Moscow's "right to participate in multilateral formats."