China Calls for Early Resumption of Iran Negotiations

Dragon Media News Desk

Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for the early resumption of negotiations and renewed implementation of a memorandum of understanding aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, on Friday. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China was deeply concerned about the renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

He said the memorandum of understanding signed more than a month earlier was an important outcome of mediation efforts by several parties and reflected the desire of the Iranian people and other peoples in the region for peace and stability.

Wang stressed that the progress achieved through dialogue should not be abandoned.

“Once the door to negotiations has been opened, it should not be closed. As long as there is hope for peace, it should not be given up,” Wang said.

He said the immediate priority was to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiations and to resume implementation of the consensus reached under the memorandum.

As Iran’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, Wang said.

He added that China would continue to act in accordance with its four-point proposal on maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

According to Wang, China will support mediation efforts by Pakistan and other parties, help facilitate the early resumption of dialogue and negotiations, and encourage the proper handling of issues related to the Strait of Hormuz.

China will also work to improve relations among neighboring countries, promote collective security among Gulf states and support the restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East at the earliest possible date, he said.

During the meeting, Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

He said Iran’s willingness to negotiate remained unchanged and that Tehran did not want the conflict to continue.

Araghchi urged the United States to honor its commitments, exercise restraint, work with Iran toward the same objective and seek a reasonable solution.

He said it was essential for Iran and China, as comprehensive strategic partners, to strengthen communication and coordination at the current critical moment.

Araghchi thanked China for consistently maintaining what he described as an objective and impartial position and for promoting peace and dialogue.

He also expressed hope that China would continue to play an important role in helping ease regional tensions.