Wang Yi tells Araghchi: China ready to help reduce tensions and establish regional peace

Tehran — IRNA — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues. IRNA reports that Araghchi described China as Iran's close friend and strategic partner and stressed Iran's commitment to advancing the all-encompassing strategic partnership between Tehran and Beijing based on mutual respect and trust. He noted that, guided by the leaders' will and political trust, the two countries move the relationship at a strategic level with Tehran seeking to deepen cooperation across various fields. Araghchi said the current regional conditions stem from the aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran, and that Iran’s resistance and steadfastness have frustrated the aggressors’ aims; he also expressed appreciation for China’s principled stance condemning violations of the UN Charter by the United States and Israel and for a responsible approach to the UN Security Council. He added that the Islamic Republic is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and to pursue diplomatic solutions that guarantee the rights of the Iranian nation, while calling for a return to regional calm and peaceful relations with neighbors; dialogues with regional countries have begun and there is no room for foreign interference in a new regional order. Wang Yi described the China-Iran relationship as based on a comprehensive strategic partnership and voiced Beijing’s willingness to develop and deepen ties. He characterized the U.S. war against Iran as illegal and stressed the necessity of peace and stability in the Middle East and West Asia, underscoring China’s readiness to play a role in reducing tensions, supporting dialogue and helping to establish peace and stability in the region. IRNA adds that spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the trip would cover bilateral, regional and international issues.