CHOLPON-ATA, Kyrgyzstan, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi here on Friday, calling for an early resumption of negotiations and the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is deeply concerned about the renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
He said the MoU signed more than a month ago was a valuable outcome of mediation efforts by multiple parties and reflected the aspirations of the Iranian people and other peoples in the region for peace and stability. The progress achieved through dialogue should not be abandoned, he added.
"The door to negotiations, once opened, should not be closed, and as long as there is hope for peace, it should not be given up," Wang said.
He stressed that the immediate priority is to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiations and resume implementation of the consensus reached in the MoU.
As a comprehensive strategic partner of Iran, China firmly supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, Wang said.
He added that China will continue to act in line with the four-point proposal on maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, support mediation efforts by Pakistan and other parties, facilitate the early resumption of dialogue and negotiations, properly address issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, improve relations among neighboring countries, advance collective security among Gulf states, and help restore peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date.
Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in the Middle East and the Gulf region, stressing that Iran's willingness to negotiate remains unchanged and Tehran does not wish to see the conflict continue. He urged the United States to honor its commitments, exercise restraint, work with Iran toward the same goal, and seek a reasonable solution.
Araghchi said it is crucial for Iran and China, as comprehensive strategic partners, to strengthen communication and coordination at the current critical moment. He thanked China for consistently maintaining an objective and impartial position and promoting peace and dialogue, and expressed hope that China would continue to play an important role in helping ease regional tensions. Enditem
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