BEIJING -- Iran and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across international and multilateral frameworks, with Beijing reiterating its support for Tehran’s sovereignty and national security during high-level talks in the Chinese capital on Monday.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a meeting with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, where the two officials discussed bilateral ties and regional and international developments.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said relations between Beijing and Tehran have maintained steady development despite changes in the international environment.
He described the relationship as serving the fundamental interests of both nations and reflecting the broader need to strengthen cooperation among countries of the Global South.
Wang reaffirmed China’s support for Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security, adding that Beijing is ready to work with Tehran to promote the sustained development of bilateral relations.
The Chinese foreign minister’s remarks underscored the importance Beijing attaches to its relationship with Iran, particularly within the framework of closer cooperation among developing countries and the promotion of a more representative international order.
Bagheri, for his part, emphasized Iran’s determination to defend its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, while expressing Tehran’s readiness to expand engagement with China and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
He welcomed the initiatives and positions adopted by Chinese President Xi Jinping on international and regional affairs and praised Beijing’s support for multilateralism.
The Iranian official also called for
 a more active Chinese role in promoting international and regional peace and security, stressing the importance of continued coordination between the two countries in multilateral institutions and international frameworks.
The meeting also addressed developments in West Asia. Wang stressed that political disputes should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations rather than renewed military confrontation. 
Bagheri outlined Iran’s position on regional developments and reiterated its willingness to engage with different parties in support of regional stability.
The talks formed part of a broader pattern of diplomatic engagement between China and countries in West Asia.
On Monday, China’s Foreign Ministry announced that Zhai Jun, the government’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, would visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in early and mid-November.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the visits would seek to advance peace discussions, ease regional tensions and contribute to stability, in line with President Xi’s initiatives on Middle Eastern affairs.