Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held high-level talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, as regional leaders gathered amid growing tensions surrounding Iran.
The meeting between Putin and Xi highlighted the close relationship between Moscow and Beijing as both countries face major geopolitical challenges and seek stronger cooperation on regional and international issues.
Putin also held separate talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, focusing on the escalating situation in the Middle East and developments surrounding Iran.
The Russian president also met Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as leaders used the summit to discuss security, diplomacy and wider regional concerns.
The statement reflects growing concern among SCO members over the widening conflict and its potential impact on regional stability and international security.
The gathering also provided an important platform for Russia, China and other regional powers to coordinate their positions as tensions in the Middle East continue to reshape diplomatic relationships.
The high-level meetings in Bishkek come as global powers remain divided over how to respond to the Iran crisis.
With the Middle East conflict affecting energy security, trade and international relations, the SCO gathering signals a growing effort among regional powers to strengthen cooperation and promote their own diplomatic approach to the crisis.
