Wang Yi: China encourages Iran, US to return to Islamabad MoU

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday in Beijing, encouraging Iran and the United States to stay rational and exercise restraint, and return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at an early date.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is willing to play a constructive role in resolving international disputes.

Noting that China and Iran are comprehensive strategic partners, he said China is ready to work with Iran to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, and safeguard Iran's legitimate rights and interests.

Wang said the continued prolongation of the US-Iran conflict is not in the common interest of the parties concerned and the international community.

China encourages Iran and the US to rebuild the negotiation mechanism on the basis of the consensus reached so far, and conduct substantive consultations on issues of respective concern, Wang said, adding that China supports Iran in engaging in dialogue with Gulf states, respecting each other's territorial sovereignty and national security, and safeguarding the shared regional interests in a constructive manner. 

China urges all parties to take effective measures to open the Strait of Hormuz at an early date, safeguard the smooth and safe operation of international shipping routes, and maintain the stability of international energy transport, as well as global industrial and supply chains, he said.

"We do not wish to see regional tensions spill over further into Yemen and the Red Sea," the Chinese foreign minister said, calling on all parties to refrain from further complicating the situation and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation.

Wang pointed out that current developments have once again proven that the existing security architecture in the Middle East is inadequate, calling for reform and reinforcement.

During his visit to Egypt, Chinese President Xi Jinping raised a four-point proposal on building a new security architecture in the Middle East via upholding a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, Wang said, adding that China welcomes useful explorations by regional countries in this regard.

On Middle East issues, China, as a responsible major country, will as always contribute to peace and stability, promote peace talks, and uphold fairness and justice, Wang said.

Wang said China's policy toward Iran maintains continuity and consistency, adding that China always upholds justice, opposes the use of force, and safeguards the norms governing international relations within the UN Security Council and other multilateral platforms.

China stands ready to step up communication and coordination with Iran to deliver new progress in China‑Iran relations, he added.

Briefing on the latest situation in the Middle East as well as Iran's considerations for the next steps, Araghchi said Iran does not wish for the conflict to drag on and hopes to return to diplomatic channels, while resolutely safeguarding its own rights and interests.

Iran holds that the US‑Iran MoU remains valid, and has reached an agreement with Oman on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, he said, adding that the US should earnestly honor all its commitments.

The Iranian side also stands ready to engage in dialogue and consultation with regional countries, establish and develop good-neighborly and friendly relations, and promote the early restoration of peace and tranquility in the region, said Araghchi.

He said Iran welcomes and supports President Xi's four‑point proposal, and is ready to work with China to strengthen cooperation, and looks forward to China playing a greater role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Iran attaches great importance to its relations with China and stands ready to continue mutual support, maintain close exchanges at all levels, deepen practical cooperation, jointly address challenges, and push for the sustained and in-depth development of bilateral ties, said the Iranian foreign minister.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional hotspot issues of common concern.