Wang Yi: China is Iran's trusted partner, actively promoting peace

Beijing (ANTARA) - China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has affirmed that China is a trusted strategic partner of Iran, including amid the current tensions in the Middle East. “China is Iran’s reliable strategic partner. China is willing to work with Iran to consolidate and deepen political mutual trust, maintain and strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership,” Wang Yi said, according to a written statement on the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on Wednesday. This was stated by Wang Yi during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday. Araghchi’s visit comes less than two weeks before the planned visit of US President Donald Trump to China to meet President Xi Jinping, scheduled for 14-15 May. “Since the conflict broke out, China has always actively promoted peace and negotiations. China believes that a comprehensive ceasefire cannot be delayed and the resumption of conflict is unacceptable; choosing the path of negotiation is a very important option,” Wang Yi added. Wang Yi mentioned that President Xi Jinping has earnestly put forward four points of views to maintain and promote peace and stability in the Middle East, which have received positive responses from the international community. “At present, the regional situation is at a critical juncture of transition between war and peace, but China supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, and appreciates Iran’s willingness to seek political settlements through diplomatic channels,” Wang Yi stated. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue, Wang Yi noted that the international community shares common concerns about the restoration of normal and safe maritime traffic. “China hopes that the relevant parties will promptly respond to the strong calls of the international community,” Wang Yi added. On the nuclear issue, Wang Yi said China appreciates Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, while believing that Iran has the legitimate right to utilise nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. “China believes that Gulf and Middle Eastern countries should determine their own destiny, encourages Iran and more Gulf countries to engage in dialogue, achieve good neighbourly and friendly relations, and supports the establishment of a peace and security architecture involving joint participation by countries in the region,” Wang Yi said. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Araghchi conveyed the latest developments in Iran-US negotiations and Iran’s considerations for next steps. “Araghchi stated that facts have proven that political crises cannot be resolved through military means. Iran will firmly safeguard its national sovereignty and dignity, while continuing to uphold consensus through peaceful negotiations and seeking a comprehensive and permanent solution,” Araghchi said. He noted that the issue of opening the Strait of Hormuz can be resolved as soon as possible. Iran, according to Araghchi, also highly appreciates and agrees with the four points of views put forward by President Xi Jinping on peace and regional stability. “Iran appreciates China, which has always stood on the right side of history and, with a constructive attitude, has made unremitting efforts to prevent the deterioration of the situation and the expansion of the crisis’s impact,” Araghchi stated in the remarks. Araghchi affirmed that Iran trusts China and hopes China will continue to play an active role in promoting peace and stopping the war, as well as supporting the establishment of a post-war regional architecture capable of coordinating development and security. “China is Iran’s comprehensive strategic partner. Iran has always adhered to the One China principle and supports China in safeguarding its core interests,” Araghchi added. Iran, according to Araghchi, is also willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China on multilateral affairs and continue to deepen the Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership. The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.