• Lavrov meets Xi in Beijing prior to SCO Foreign Ministers meeting.
• Both sides reaffirm strategic cooperation amid tensions with the US.
• Discussions included support for each other's fundamental interests.
• China emphasizes a united front of 'global South' countries.
• Political mutual trust within SCO member states has deepened.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Lavrov emphasized the importance of coordination between Moscow and Beijing on international issues, which included discussions on the Ukraine crisis and the situation in Gaza, according to TRT Global and Jakarta Post.

During the meeting, President Xi described the Sino-Russian relationship as "the most stable and strategically valuable" among major powers today, reinforcing the need for mutual support within multilateral forums. This sentiment reflects China's view on enhancing cooperation with Russia amidst increasing tensions with the United States, as reported by Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Additionally, the two diplomats discussed preparations for a forthcoming visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to China for the SCO summit and World War II anniversary celebrations. This underscores the ongoing political contacts and high-level discussions between the countries, as stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry and referenced in sources like TRT Global and Jakarta Post.

Xi and Lavrov also addressed regional dynamics, wherein Xi stressed the importance of uniting countries of the 'global South' to promote a more equitable international order. This endeavor seeks to strengthen the SCO's role as a counterbalance to Western dominance, according to remarks from Xi reported by Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Lavrov's visit to China followed a brief stop in North Korea, where he garnered assurances of support for Russia amid its ongoing challenges in Ukraine, signifying a strengthening of alliances between these nations as they navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, as noted in TRT Global and Jakarta Post.