China has expressed hopes that the meeting of Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers in Turkey later this week will contribute to an early settlement of the Ukrainian crisis and a decrease in tensions.
Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said yesterday that the tensions are between Moscow and Kyiv.
On Tuesday, spokeswoman for Russian Foreign Minister, Maria Zakharova, said the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, will take part in the diplomacy forum in Antalya yesterday.
He is expected to meet for talks with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, with the mediation of the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu.
Kuleba clarified during a news conference that the meeting would be held today.
“China’s position on the Ukrainian issue is clear and consistent.
“We hope that all parties concerned can intensify their efforts in contributing to reconciliation and advancement of negotiations, contribute to a reduction of tensions and an early peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian issue,’’ Zhao said.
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, said Beijing was ready to assist in the mediation of the conflict.
On Tuesday, Zhao said China would be ready to “continue playing a constructive role to facilitate dialogue for peace and work alongside the international community when needed to carry out necessary mediation.’’
