JAKARTA - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that China is a trusted partner of Iran, including in the current tensions in the Middle East.
"China is a reliable strategic partner of Iran. China is willing to work with Iran to consolidate and deepen political mutual trust, maintain and strengthen high-level talks, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and promote the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership," Wang Yi said in a written statement on the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website, Wednesday, May 8.
This was conveyed by Wang Yi when meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Araghchi's visit comes less than two weeks after US President Donald Trump's planned visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping, which is scheduled to take place on May 14-15.
"Since the conflict broke out, China has always been actively promoting peace and negotiations. China believes that the cessation of the war as a whole cannot be delayed and that the conflict that has broken out again is unacceptable, choosing the path of negotiation is a very important choice," Wang Yi added.
Wang Yi said President Xi Jinping sincerely put forward four points of view to maintain and promote peace and stability in the Middle East, which received a positive response from the international community.
"Currently, the situation in the region is at a critical point of transition between war and peace, but China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security, and appreciates Iran's willingness to seek a political solution through diplomatic channels," Wang Yi said.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue, Wang Yi said that the international community shared concerns about the restoration of normal and safe ship traffic.
"China hopes that the relevant parties will immediately respond to the strong appeal of the international community," Wang Yi added.
Then regarding the nuclear issue, Wang Yi said China appreciates Iran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, while arguing that Iran has a legitimate right to use nuclear energy peacefully.
"China believes that the Gulf and Middle Eastern countries must determine their own destiny, encourage Iran and more Gulf countries to engage in dialogue, realize good neighborly and friendly relations, and support the establishment of a peace and security architecture involving the joint participation of countries in the region," said Wang Yi.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Araghchi conveyed the latest developments in Iran-US negotiations as well as Iran's consideration of the next steps.
"Araghchi stated that facts have proven that the political crisis cannot be resolved through military means. Iran will firmly safeguard the sovereignty of the country and its national dignity, while continuing to maintain consensus through peaceful negotiations and seeking a comprehensive and permanent solution," said Araghchi.
He said that currently, the issue of opening the Strait of Hormuz could be resolved as soon as possible.
Iran, according to Araghchi, also highly appreciated and agreed with four points of view put forward by President Xi Jinping regarding regional peace and stability.
"Iran appreciates China for always standing on the side of the right history and, with a constructive attitude, has made tireless efforts to prevent the worsening of the situation and the widening of the impact of the crisis," Araghchi said in the statement.
Araghchi said Iran trusted China and hoped that China would continue to play an active role in promoting peace and stopping 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 principle of One China, supporting China in safeguarding its core interests," Araghchi added.
Iran, said Araghchi, is also willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China in multilateral affairs and continue to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.
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