Russia’s former defense minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Shoigu, who currently serves as secretary of Russia’s Security Council, met with Wang in Beijing on Tuesday.

China’s foreign ministry said they comprehensively discussed strategic security issues and reached new common understandings.

Wang is reported to have told Shoigu that as the international situation has become more complex and the two countries face increasing external challenges, the two countries should remain firmly united and continue cooperation to protect their common interests.

Shoigu reportedly said that Russia hopes to advance close cooperation with China.