WANA (Sep 16) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on Wednesday to discuss key bilateral, regional and international issues.

 

Araghchi arrived in the Chinese capital earlier Wednesday, September 16, at the head of a diplomatic delegation. He met with Wang Yi shortly after his arrival, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.

 

Araghchi Says No Role for Foreign Forces in New Regional Order

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that recent developments had fundamentally changed the regional landscape, arguing that there would be no place for the presence or intervention of foreign forces in a new regional order.

 

Araghchi emphasized the longstanding ties between Iran and China and described Beijing as a close friend and strategic partner. He said the Iranian government was firmly committed to expanding and strengthening bilateral relations within the framework of the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership, based on mutual respect and trust.

 

Araghchi said relations between Iran and China were being guided at a strategic level by the political trust between the two countries and the will of their leaders. He added that Tehran attached particular importance to advancing cooperation with Beijing across various areas.

 

Iran Says It Is Prepared to Defend Its Sovereignty

Araghchi attributed the current regional situation to what he described as military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran. He said Iran’s resistance and what he characterized as the determination of the Iranian people had prevented the attackers from achieving their objectives.

 

The Iranian foreign minister expressed appreciation for China’s position in condemning what Tehran considers violations of fundamental principles of the UN Charter by the United States and Israel. He also welcomed what he described as China’s responsible approach toward the US use of the UN Security Council.

 

Araghchi said Iran remained fully prepared to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and to protect its national security and interests against what he called aggressors. At the same time, he said Tehran welcomed diplomatic solutions that would safeguard the rights of the Iranian people.

 

He argued that the regional situation had undergone fundamental changes following what he described as the war against Iran. According to Araghchi, a new regional order based on dialogue and cooperation among regional countries would leave no room for the presence or intervention of foreign forces.

 

Tehran Calls for Return of Regional Calm

Araghchi also referred to what he described as repeated US violations of commitments, including the alleged breach of the Islamabad understanding less than three weeks after its signing and the subsequent suspension of its implementation.

 

He said Iran remained committed to its principles and to pursuing what it considers the legitimate rights of the Iranian people, while also seeking a return to calm in the region and friendly, peaceful relations with neighboring countries. Araghchi added that Iran had begun consultations with countries in the region as part of that effort.

 

Wang Says China Ready to Help Reduce Tensions

Wang Yi described relations between China and Iran as important under their comprehensive strategic partnership and expressed Beijing’s interest in further developing and consolidating bilateral ties.

 

Wang characterized the US war against Iran as illegal and, referring to China’s leadership, emphasized the need to establish peace and stability in the Middle East and West Asia.

 

He said regional issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy and reiterated China’s readiness to play a role in reducing tensions, supporting dialogue and contributing to peace and stability in the region.

 

Wang also said China was prepared to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with Iran and firmly safeguard what Beijing considers Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.