Beijing supports Tehran in maintaining dialogue

Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated on Wednesday China's readiness to continue playing a constructive role in facilitating the resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue and promoting stability in the Middle East, as he met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Tianjin.

During the meeting, the two foreign ministers reaffirmed their countries' pledge of continued mutual support. The sit-down was the fourth dialogue between the two senior diplomats in the past three months, following two phone calls in June and one in-person meeting in April.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, underscored that China has always opposed the use of force, or the threat of force, and advocates resolving differences through dialogue and consultation.

He said that China values Iran's commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, respects Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and appreciates its efforts to pursue peace through diplomatic means, adding that Beijing supports Tehran in maintaining dialogue with various parties.

In response, Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran is committed to not developing nuclear weapons, but will not give up its legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Araghchi expressed Iran's willingness to resume negotiations and consultations with all parties as soon as possible, on the basis of equality and respect, to seek a political resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.

During the meeting, Wang also stressed that China will continue supporting Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity, resisting power politics and acts of bullying, and defending its legitimate rights through political negotiations.

Araghchi expressed gratitude for China's invaluable support and affirmed Iran's unwavering commitment to advancing relations with China, describing the comprehensive strategic partnership as having great potential and broad prospects.

Wang and Araghchi, along with other foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states and heads of SCO standing bodies, gathered in Tianjin on Tuesday for the Meeting of the SCO Foreign Ministers Council.