China's top diplomat Wang Yi urged all parties to seek a political settlement to the conflict in the Middle East through dialogue and negotiations on Monday, calling for a rational and pragmatic approach to avoid renewed hostilities.
Wang, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
As fighting in the Middle East drags on and its spillover effects spread, dialogue and negotiations offer the way forward, Wang said.
He called on all parties to act with a sense of responsibility to their people and to history, meet each other halfway, and focus on a political solution rather than resort to arms again.
China stands ready to work with all parties to continue efforts to restore regional peace, guided by its initiatives and proposals for easing tensions in the Middle East, he said.
Briefing Wang on Iran's views concerning the regional situation, Bagheri Kani said his country would firmly safeguard its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and resist power politics and threats.
Iran is also willing to engage in talks and negotiations with all parties and work actively for regional peace and stability, he said.
He expressed appreciation for China's initiatives and proposals and its consistent commitment to multilateralism, saying Iran looks forward to China playing a greater role in international and regional peace.
On bilateral ties, Wang said China-Iran relations have maintained steady development despite a volatile international landscape. This serves the fundamental interests of both peoples and reflects the aspirations of Global South countries for solidarity and cooperation, he said.
China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security, and is willing to work with Iran to further advance bilateral relations, Wang added.
Bagheri Kani told Wang that Iran stands ready to promote the steady development of bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation with China in international and multilateral frameworks.
