MOSCOW - The partnership of Russia and China in the international arena gained solid ground as an important element in safeguarding global and regional stability and security, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.

"We will continue with our efforts on the integration of Russia into the Asia-Pacific region," Lavrov told an annual press conference.

"The Russian president repeatedly stated that our cooperation with the region is of strategic significance for the whole 21st century. It is also important for the development of Russia's eastern regions," he said.

Russia's desire to enhance cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region does not mean a substitute for its relations with Europe and the West; in fact, they will develop simultaneously, Lavrov said.

Meanwhile, the Russian foreign minister pledged to inject fresh impetus into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS when Russia holds the rotating chair of both organizations.