Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on December 28, 2024. Photo: website of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday in Beijing, during which Wang said that enhancing coordination and cooperation between China and Iran not only benefits the peoples of both countries, but will also contribute to promoting regional and global peace, stability, and development, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.

Araghchi began a two-day visit to China from Friday at the invitation of the Chinese side, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

During the meeting, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and Iran established a comprehensive strategic partnership and are important members of the Global South. The relationship between the two countries has a long history, rooted in the strong and deep traditional friendship between their peoples, mutual trust and support since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than half a century ago, and their shared pursuit of independence, self-improvement, and national rejuvenation, which has withstood the tests of changing international circumstances. 

Enhancing coordination and cooperation between China and Iran benefits both nations and contributes to regional and global peace, stability, and development, said Wang.

Wang emphasized that both countries should continue to support each other on issues related to their core interests, steadily advance practical cooperation, and enhance multilateral collaboration. Both sides should closely coordinate within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), jointly promote the Shanghai Spirit, facilitate more cooperative projects, and build closer SCO community with shared future.

Both sides should work together to enhance greater BRICS cooperation, cultivate new areas of cooperation, further strengthen BRICS, and better safeguard the common interests of the Global South, Wang said.

Wang also emphasized that, in the face of today's world of instability and uncertainty, we must remain resolute, firmly believe that the historical trend of world multipolarity, economic globalization, and cultural diversity is unstoppable, and that unilateral hegemony will ultimately lose support. 

We must steadfastly focus on our own development, steadily advance national development strategies, and inject greater stability into the world. We must strengthen unity and cooperation, oppose hegemonic and bullying actions, and jointly advocate and practice true multilateralism, working to build a more just and reasonable global governance system, said Wang. 

Araghchi stressed that developing and strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China is a priority in Iran's foreign policy. Iran adheres to the one-China principle and firmly supports China’s legitimate positions on core issues, including Xinjiang, Xizang, and human rights. 

Iran looks forward to closer high-level exchanges with China, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, and strengthening communication and collaboration within multilateral frameworks like the United Nations, SCO, and BRICS to safeguard shared interests, said Araghchi.

The two sides agreed to further advance the implementation of the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan, strengthening exchanges of governance experience in political diplomacy, legislative institutions, law enforcement, judicial matters, and economic and trade fields. They will also enhance cooperation and exchanges in areas such as youth, education, sports, technology, culture, tourism, environmental protection, public health, and media, as well as deepen interactions at the civil, local, and sister-city levels to make unremitting efforts to promote the development of China-Iran relations, according to the foreign ministry’s statement. 

The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on the current situation in the Middle East. Both agreed that the Middle East belongs to the people of the Middle East; it should not be a battleground for great power rivalry, nor a victim of geopolitical struggles and conflicts by external powers. 

The fate of Middle East countries should be in the hands of their own people. The international community should genuinely respect the sovereignty, security, stability, unity, and territorial integrity of Middle East countries, respect their legitimate concerns, respect the choice independently made by Middle East people, and respect their historical and cultural traditions. The international community should play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, according to the statement.

The path to peace and stability in the Middle East lies in adhering to political solutions without external interference and in compliance with international law. Both sides support the continued reconciliation momentum between Iran and Saudi Arabia after the restoration of diplomatic ties and encourage regional countries to maintain dialogue and consultations, said the statement. 

The two sides agreed that resolving the Palestinian issue requires respecting and restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and ending the occupation. The immediate priority is to implement a ceasefire, withdraw military forces, and provide urgent humanitarian assistance. They called for the effective and full implementation of the ceasefire deal and emphasized respect for Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, urging an integrated approach to Syria's counter-terrorism, reconciliation, and humanitarian processes.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue. 

Wang emphasized that China has always advocated for addressing the Iranian nuclear issue through political dialogue and upholding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. All relevant parties should play a constructive role in restoring dialogue and negotiations. China opposes the frequent use of sanctions and pressure and firmly supports Iran in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. 

Araghchi appreciated China’s important role in facilitating and maintaining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and expressed Iran's willingness to maintain close communication with China.


Global Times