China's vice foreign minister meets Iran's deputy foreign minister

China's Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing on Thursday.

Gharibabadi briefed on the domestic situation in Iran and developments related to the Iranian nuclear program, stressing that Iran is committed to resolving issues through diplomatic means and is willing to advance negotiations on the basis of fairness and justice. 

Iran opposes external deterrence and coercion, appreciates China's contributions to safeguarding regional and global peace and stability, and welcomes China to play a greater role, Gharibabadi said.

Miao outlined China's principled position on the Iran issue, saying that China is closely following developments in Iran and supports Tehran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, as well as in defending its legitimate rights and interests. 

China opposes unilateral bullying and coercion by force in international relations, and opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs, Miao said. 

He said China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with all parties, including Iran, to uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, uphold the principle of sovereign equality and safeguard international fairness and justice.