Wang Yi (right), member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, on June 10, 2024 local time. Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi welcomed Iran's participation as a formal member for the first time at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, expressing China’s willingness to strengthen strategic coordination with Iran, fully utilize the BRICS mechanism in reforming and improving global governance, further enhance the influence and voice of Global South countries, and promote the international order toward a more just and reasonable direction.  

Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, on June 10, 2024 local time. 

During the meeting, Wang once again expressed condolences for the unfortunate deaths of late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and late Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter accident. Wang said that during this period, the Iranian nation has undergone a significant test. As a comprehensive strategic partner, China supports the Iranian government and people in adhering to their established domestic and foreign policies and maintaining their independence, sovereignty, stability and development. China wishes Iran’s presidential election to be successfully held. 

According to Wang, through the joint efforts of both sides, China-Iran relations have maintained healthy and steady development, thanks to the long-standing traditional friendship and the high level political mutual trust between the two countries. 

Currently, China-Iran relations are at a crucial stage of building on past achievements and advancing forward, Wang said, noting that China is willing to work with Iran, with a strategic perspective on China-Iran relations, to steer the development direction of the bilateral relations, solidly advance pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and comprehensively deepen coordination in regional and international affairs to contribute more to regional and global peace and stability. 

China will continue to support Iran and Saudi Arabia in their efforts to improve relations and achieve lasting good-neighborliness and friendship in the region, Wang said. 

On behalf of the Iranian government, Bagheri expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for extending condolences over the unfortunate deaths of Iran’s late President Ebrahim Raisi and late Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and for sending a special representative to attend the mourning activities.

Bagheri said Iran is committed to strengthening its strategic relations with China, enhancing cooperation in various fields, and continuously advancing the bilateral relationship. Under the current international situation, developing strong China-Iran relations not only benefits the people of both countries but also contributes to regional and global peace and stability, which will be conducive to the establishment of a more equitable and reasonable international order and safeguarding the legitimate rights of developing countries. 

Iran adheres to the one-China principle and supports China’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iran appreciates China’s commitment to multilateralism and its dedication to upholding fairness and justice in international affairs, Bagheri said, adding that Iran is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China on international and regional affairs, jointly uphold multilateralism, and seek solutions to global issues.

Global Times