At the request of the Russian side, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart on February 19th, exchanging views mainly on the latest developments of the Iraqi question. The two foreign ministers agreed to condemn the military act of the US and the UK against Iraq on February 16th. They expressed deep regret toward the casualties and property losses caused by the act and emphasized that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq must be respected. Foreign Minister Tang pointed out that the Iraqi question should be resolved within the framework of the relevant resolution of the UN Security Council. The parties concerned should respect in real earnest the purpose and principle of the UN Charter and the authority of the Security Council. They should do things that are conducive to breaking the stalemate of the Iraqi question instead of adopting unilateral act by circumventing the Security Council. The Russian Foreign Minister agreed with Foreign Minister Tang on this.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on other international issues of common interest.