Russia, China And India Are Getting Closer, Foreign Minister Lavrov: We Support ASEAN-Centered Cooperation In Asia Pacific

JAKARTA - The Russia-India-China (RIC) format has contributed to building a multipolar world order and the rule of international law, and is a key factor in global and regional policies, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reported during an online meeting of the RIC foreign ministers Friday.

"The RIC format remains one of the key factors of global and regional policy, which is recognized in ensuring security, enhancing the architecture of transnational relations in the Asia-Pacific region and promoting broad economic integration in the Eurasian space," Minister Lavrov quoted TASS as saying November 27.

"Troika' is an integral part of the process to establish a more just and democratic multipolar world order with UN coordination. In addition, it contributes to building universal values such as multilateralism, equality and the rule of international law in the world arena," he continued.

Lavrov stressed Russia, India, China are united by the rejection of trade protectionism and politically motivated unilateral sanctions. In addition, they reject the use of force in international affairs.

"We have cooperated on a broad agenda on the UN platform within the framework of the G20, BRICS, and SCO. We support an ASEAN-centred cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region," Minister Lavrov said.

According to him, with the ongoing pandemic conditions, the international relations system faces serious challenges in the field of socio-economic development. "The virus triggered a crisis in global management. The increasing protectionist and isolationist views have become a serious test of strength for countries and multilateral associations," he said.

"Today's exchange of opinions on the most pressing issues on the international agenda is of paramount importance amid increasing global and regional turmoil. I hope that our exciting dialogue will contribute to the fuller development of the broad and truly strategic potential that the RIC format has. ," he concluded.