BEIJING: China welcomes the dialogue between Iran and relevant parties and supports Iran’s necessary cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency on the nuclear issue, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Ali Akbar Ahmadian, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Brasilia.
During the meeting, Ahmadian reiterated that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons and is willing to engage in negotiations with relevant parties based on equality and mutual respect.
Wang said China values Iran’s commitment to not pursuing nuclear weapons, respects its right to peaceful nuclear energy use and appreciates its continued diplomatic efforts.
The two sides agreed to maintain communication on the matter.
Wang also said the relations between China and Iran have maintained positive momentum despite external disruptions and challenges under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state.
China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and national dignity and opposes external interference in Iran’s internal affairs, said the Chinese foreign minister.
Wang added that China is willing to maintain exchanges at all levels with Iran, enhance communication and coordination, defend their respective legitimate rights and interests, uphold multilateralism, safeguard the basic norms of international relations, and build a more resilient China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership.
Both China and Iran should fully implement the comprehensive cooperation plan to deliver more tangible outcomes and enrich the bilateral relationship, Wang said.
For his part, Ahmadian said that Iran and China enjoy strong political mutual trust, and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership has become a consensus among all sectors in Iran.
Iran is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in economy, trade, science, technology, and connectivity, and elevate bilateral relations to a new level, said Ahmadian.
Noting Iran and China share similar positions on multilateral issues, Ahmadian expressed gratitude to China for speaking up justly for Iran on the international stage and facilitating its rapprochement with Saudi Arabia.
Iran is ready to work with China to oppose external interference, reject arbitrary tariffs and unilateral sanctions, and uphold a fair and equitable international order, said Ahmadian.
