Russian, Chinese foreign ministers criticize use of 'neocolonial practices' in int’l relations

MOSCOW

Russia and China’s foreign ministers criticized the use of "neocolonial practices" in international relations at a meeting Thursday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Goa, India.

Sergey Lavrov and Qin Gang said that such a method of conducting affairs has a destructive impact on the development of many states, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The top diplomats also discussed the increased activity of the West in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing that its efforts to establish military blocs undermine regional security and stability.

The ministers also exchanged assessments of the current state and prospects for further development of the SCO and praised its growing authority in world affairs and its key importance in the regional security architecture.

They also spoke about pressing topics, including efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.