Chinese, Russian Top Diplomats Discuss Iran Nuclear Deal, Situation in Venezuela - Beijing

BEIJING (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 23rd May, 2019) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi discussed the situation in Venezuela and the Iran nuclear deal, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

The statement concerned the meeting between the two diplomats on the sidelines of the SCO ministerial in Bishkek on Wednesday.

"The sides carried out a substantial exchange of opinions on Venezuela, the Iran nuclear deal and other international issues of common interest," the statement read.

During the meeting, the Chinese top diplomat noted the need to maintain close contacts and strengthen comprehensive cooperation between Moscow and Beijing amid the changing international situation, according to the statement.

Venezuela has been rocked by a political crisis since January when its opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself an interim president. Both China and Russia supported Nicolas Maduro as the country's only legitimate president.

Moreover, Beijing and Moscow share the same stance on the Iran nuclear deal. The two countries supported the multilateral agreement when the United States withdrew from it in May 2018.