CHOLPON-ATA: China called for renewed Iran-US talks and backed Pakistan’s mediation after Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Kyrgyzstan on July 24.
Wang said the immediate priority was to resolve differences through negotiations. He also urged the parties to resume implementing the memorandum of understanding reached more than a month earlier.
China remained “deeply concerned” about renewed tensions in the Middle East and Gulf region, according to an official Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.
“The door to negotiations, once opened, should not be closed,” Wang said. He described the agreement as a valuable result of mediation by several parties and said earlier diplomatic progress should not be abandoned.
China would continue supporting mediation by Pakistan and other parties, Wang said. Beijing would also help revive negotiations and promote the proper handling of Strait of Hormuz issues.
Wang called for improved relations among neighbouring countries and collective security among Gulf states.
The ministers met during a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers’ gathering in Cholpon-Ata, east of Bishkek, the capital of the Central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan. Xinhua reported the meeting early on July 25.
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Araghchi said Iran’s willingness to negotiate had not changed, and Tehran did not want the conflict to continue. He urged the United States to honour its commitments, exercise restraint and pursue a negotiated solution.
Wang also reaffirmed China’s support for Iran’s sovereignty, security and national dignity. He described the two countries as comprehensive strategic partners.
