Iran, China foreign ministers: West Asia ‘not a scene for destructive foreign interference’

The foreign ministers of Iran and China say that West Asia should not be a scene for “destructive” interference by external powers to promote their geopolitical goals.

Abbas Araghchi of Iran, who is on an official visit to Beijing, met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Saturday.

During the meeting, Araghchi and Wang discussed the latest security and political developments in West Asia, emphasizing that the region belongs to its nations.

They expressed concern over the dangers of chaos and insecurity in Syria and stressed the need to preserve the country’s national unity and territorial integrity and a calm and secure transition to a government that would meet the demands of all spectrums of the society.

The Iranian and Chinese foreign ministers also called for improving bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism.

They also exchanged views about the nuclear issue, the lifting of sanctions against Tehran, and expanding cooperation within the framework of institutions such as the BRICS group of emerging economies and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Araghchi said Iran would spare no effort to utilize numerous capacities to boost cooperation with China, adding that a landmark 25-year partnership agreement signed between the two countries in March 2021 is a strong basis for developing relations in various fields.

Iran FM in China for 'more consultations' amid 'sensitive' circumstances

The Iranian foreign minister stresses the importance of holding more consultations with China about sensitive regional and global developments, particularly Iran’s nuclear issue.

The Chinese foreign minister also said Iran is an active and important power in West Asia that possesses natural, geographical and human capacities.

He added that his country is determined to further develop relations with Iran.

Wang, whose country is a signatory to the 2015 nuclear agreement – officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), said Beijing “firmly supports the Iranian side in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests.”

China is Iran’s largest trade partner. Both states are subject to different levels of illegal sanctions imposed by the US.

The two countries signed the long-term strategic partnership deal to reinforce their long-standing economic and political alliance.

Iran, China reach common understandings on mutual ties, regional issues

The top Iranian and Chinese diplomats reached a common understanding on the latest developments in mutual relations and regional issues.

Araghchi and Wang hailed positive progress made by Tehran and Beijing in implementing the strategic agreement in recent years and said they would make efforts to implement a plan for bilateral comprehensive cooperation in various fields.

The two sides agreed that West Asia is not a battleground for the big powers and should not be a victim of geopolitical competition and conflicts among countries from outside the region.

They said only the peoples in West Asia should determine the future and destiny of the countries in the region.

The Iranian and Chinese foreign ministers said the international community should seriously respect the sovereignty, security, stability, unity and territorial integrity of the countries in West Asia.

They also said the international community needed to heed the logical demands of the West Asian countries, respect the independent decisions of regional nations and play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability.

The two ministers added that stability and peace would be established in the region only through adherence to a political principle based on international law without any foreign interference.

They threw their countries’ weight behind the further expansion of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia and the continuation of consultations among the regional countries.

Araghchi and Wang agreed that the settlement of the Palestinian issue requires respect for the legal right of the people of Palestine and cessation of occupation.

They underscored the need to establish an immediate ceasefire, fully evacuate the armed forces from Gaza, and send humanitarian aid to the Strip.

The two major trading partners reiterated calls for the effective implementation of the ceasefire in Lebanon and the integrated promotion of counterterrorism, reconciliation, and humanitarian processes in Syria.

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