Kathmandu. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in the Chinese capital to help with the Middle East war, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

China said on Tuesday it had invited leaders of war-torn countries, including Vietnam’s Tow Lam and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for talks.

Lavrov will hold talks with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, during which he will discuss and coordinate the situation in the development of bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, and international and regional affairs, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also said it would discuss the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.

Beijing and Moscow are close economic and political partners, but the relationship has strengthened since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Wang spoke with Lavrov on April 5 after Beijing and Moscow agreed to work together to ease tensions in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told the leader of the United Arab Emirates that Beijing was ready to play a more constructive role and contribute to the restoration of peace in the Gulf region.