Chinese and Russian Foreign Ministers Bolster Coordination in Baku
Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Sergei Lavrov met in Baku to discuss bilateral ties and multilateral cooperation, while EU leaders commenced a two-day summit in Brussels.
The conversation that mattered
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, on October 15, on the sidelines of the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). According to an official release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the two top diplomats discussed bilateral relations, multilateral cooperation, and international and regional issues of mutual concern.
Minister Wang congratulated Russia on its recent State Duma elections. Both ministers acknowledged the fruitful results of Russia-China relations under the guidance of their respective heads of state.
Lavrov affirmed Russia's full support for China's upcoming hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen next month. He also stated Moscow's willingness to strengthen coordination with Beijing within multilateral frameworks, including the UN, G20, APEC, and BRICS, to jointly uphold international fairness and justice.
The discussion also covered upcoming high-level exchanges and international hotspot issues, with both sides reaching new common understandings. The meeting underscores continued alignment between Beijing and Moscow on global governance and regional stability.
Multilateral pulse
Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit. The 7th Summit of CICA is underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together senior representatives from diverse Asian nations to discuss peace, security, and cooperation across the continent.
European Council. EU leaders began a two-day summit in Brussels on October 15, with an agenda focusing on European competitiveness, continued support for Ukraine, addressing hybrid attacks, the long-term budget, migration, enlargement, and the situation in the Middle East.
Bilateral threads worth following
US ↔ El Salvador
Current State: The US is seeking to deepen alignment with El Salvador on regional security and diplomatic priorities.
Last Move: Secretary of State Marco Rubio called President Nayib Bukele on October 13, discussing port infrastructure, UN diplomatic alignment, and the political situation in Cuba.
US ↔ Ethiopia
Current State: The US is engaging Ethiopia to promote regional stability and de-escalation amid tensions in the Horn of Africa.
Last Move: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on October 14, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and urging dialogue.
China ↔ Belize
Current State: Tensions persist following Chinese sanctions over Belize's support for Taiwan.
Last Move: China issued a diplomatic note to Belize on October 14, describing sanctions against Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca as a warning against supporting Taiwan's independence.
India ↔ China
Current State: Diplomatic channels remain open, with India signaling potential for renewed economic engagement.
Last Move: India's Ministry of External Affairs highlighted sustained high-level diplomatic interactions on October 14, as Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed openness to business with China under fair terms.
What we'll be watching next 72h
- The EU Leaders' Summit continues in Brussels on October 16, with discussions on competitiveness, Ukraine, and the Middle East.
- French President Emmanuel Macron will embark on a three-day tour of the Middle East from October 19-21.
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