Photo:CCTV

A China-Russia-Iran meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue started in Beijing on Friday morning, CCTV News reported.

China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu chairs the meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

A day before the trilateral meeting, Ma met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi, and said that China attaches great importance to the development of China-Iran relations and is willing to work with Iran to implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries.

Ma also reaffirmed China's commitment to firmly supporting each other's core interests, deepening cooperation in various fields, and advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Iran.

Gharibabadi emphasized that Iran views its relationship with China from a strategic perspective and looks forward to continued mutual support and the safeguarding of shared interests.

The two sides held in-depth discussions on the Iranian nuclear issue. Ma said that China will uphold an objective and fair stance, actively promote dialogue and negotiations, and continue to play a constructive role in the political resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.

The Iranian diplomat highly appreciated China's efforts in facilitating dialogue on the issue and expressed Iran's willingness to strengthen communication and coordination with China to advance the political resolution process.

In response to a media question about China's expectations for the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Thursday that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a party to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), China calls for an appropriate resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means, and efforts of safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

The Beijing meeting will be China's latest diplomatic effort with the aim of enhancing communication and coordination on the issue and creating conditions for resuming dialogue and negotiation at an early date, Mao said.

Global Times