External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and prepare for the annual summit at the end of the year.

"Today`s meeting gives us an occasion to discuss our political relationship as well, but also to review our bilateral ties. So, I look forward to an exchange of views on politics, on trade, on economic investment, defence, science and technology, and of course, people-to-people exchanges," Jaishankar said in his opening remarks.

"Our leaders met in July for the 22nd annual summit last year, and thereafter in Kazan. We now prepare for the annual summit at the end of the year, and they have always given us guidance to take forward our special and privileged strategic partnership," he added.