Maintaining and implementing the recently signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran will help consolidate the hard-won ceasefire, open up new prospects for Iran-US relations, and bring peace back to the Middle East, China's top diplomat Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks while meeting with Qadir Nizamipour, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in New Delhi.

Wang said China welcomes the launch of follow-up talks between Iran and the United States on the MoU under the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar, and the consensus reached on the next negotiation mechanism.

The 14-point draft MoU is hard-won, explicitly proposing an immediate and permanent end to hostilities, a halt to the use or threat of force, mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and refraining from interfering in each other's internal affairs, he said, adding that it is consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and is in line with the norms of international relations.

He said maintaining and implementing the MoU not only serves the fundamental interests of Iran and its people, but also meets the common expectations of the international community.

As Iran's comprehensive strategic partner, China has always upheld a fair and just stance, Wang said, adding that China supports all efforts conducive to peace, supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, and supports Iran in improving its relations with Gulf countries and other regional countries.

China stands ready to continue to provide assistance in its own way and play a constructive role in restoring regional peace and tranquility at an early date, Wang noted.

China has always viewed and advanced China-Iran ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to work with Iran to strengthen high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation to promote the steady and long-term development of bilateral ties, he added.

Briefing on the latest developments in the Middle East situation and Iran-US talks, Nizamipour said Iran appreciates China for its efforts to promote peace and cease hostilities, voicing expectations that China will continue to play an important role to facilitate the effective implementation of the first-phase MoU.

Iran attaches great importance to its relations with China, and highly appreciates China's positive role in international and regional affairs, Nizamipour said, adding that Iran firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is ready to work with China to further strengthen exchanges at all levels, enhance mutual support, explore cooperation potential, and enhance collaboration within multilateral frameworks such as BRICS to jointly address common challenges.