TEHRAN – China’s Foreign
Minister Wang Yi says Tehran and Beijing are comprehensive strategic partners.
“No matter how the international situation changes, China will always firmly develop its friendly relations with Iran, and promote China-Iran practical cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and two peoples,” the country’s foreign ministry website quoted him as saying during in a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hussein Amir-Abdollahian.
China, he said, “stands ready to work with Iran to continue to oppose unilateralism and bullying, safeguard the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and uphold the common interests of developing countries”.
“China is also willing to strengthen anti-pandemic cooperation with Iran until the final victory is achieved. China hopes that Iran will support the Global Development Initiative.”
Yi further said China welcomes Iran’s decision to return to negotiations on resumption of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) at the end of this month in order to remove U.S sanctions on Tehran, adding it “reflects Iran’s positive gesture of commitment to the resumption of compliance”.
“In view of the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA, the United States should first take action to make corrections. Iran can resume compliance with its nuclear-related commitments on this basis. All parties should strengthen coordination and jointly move forward the negotiations in the right direction,” he said.
China, headed, supports Iran in strengthening cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which will create a sound atmosphere for resuming negotiations.
Yi also congratulated Iran on successfully holding the Second Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan, sayig the meeting mechanism of foreign ministers of the neighboring countries was at the right time and it attracted the attention of multiple parties.
China will host the third meeting of foreign ministers of the neighboring countries of Afghanistan. Yi said his country is willing to work with all parties, including Iran, to strengthen coordination, build up consensus, and work for more outcomes.
The six countries to participate in the meeting should give full play to the advantages of neighboring countries and highlight the distinctive features to address legitimate concerns of Afghanistan, playing a unique and constructive role in realizing lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan, he said.
Amir-Abdollahian said Iran-China relations are strategic, adding the new Iranian government will be firmly committed to developing friendly cooperation with China.
Iran, he said, thanks China’s strong support for its fight against the virus, and hopes to work with China to deepen anti-pandemic cooperation.
Iran also appraises China’s positive position and constructive role on the Iranian nuclear issue, adding Tehran is committed to negotiations on resumption of the JCPOA, and is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China.
The Islamic Republic attaches much importance to cooperation with the IAEA, and will invite Director General Rafael Grossi to visit Iran in the coming days, he further said.
Amir-Abdollahian said Iran meanwhile fully supports the Global Development Initiative, and supports China in hosting the third meeting of foreign ministers of the neighboring countries of Afghanistan.