On the evening of January 17, 2011, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at request held a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

In their conversation, Yang said the year 2011 is of great significance for China and Russia to develop bilateral ties. Yang said in 2011, the leaders of the two countries will maintain close contacts and China is willing to continue strengthening communication and coordination with Russia to push China-Russia cooperation in various areas to a new level.

Lavrov said he hoped the leaders of the two nations will maintain the momentum of mutual visits and contacts to promote development of Russia-China relations this year.

The two sides also exchanged views on Iran's nuclear issue.