In separate talks with Chinese and Russian officials, the deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs exchanged views on the latest regional developments.
In a meeting with China's special envoy for the Middle East in Tehran on Tuesday, Hossein Amir Abdollahian emphasized the need for a "political solution" to the crisis in Yemen.
Outlining Iran's doctrine and measures meant to help put an end to the violent killing of civilians, he called for an immediate halt to the Saudi assault against the crisis-hit Arab country, saying the conflict in Yemen can only be settled through "holding national dialogue involving all interested parties in an impartial country."
"Consecutive crises in the Middle East region, provoked by foreign interference, have led to the emergence of new terrorist groups that are spreading and threatening greater parts of the world," he asserted.
Appreciating China's foreign policy, the deputy foreign minister called on Beijing to play a more active role in helping prevent further spread of tension.
Gong Xiaosheng, for his part, pointed to the back-to-back crises in the region and urged the world to address Middle East issues. He also called on the world's countries to respect the sovereignty of Middle Eastern countries and their right to determine their "political fate".
"Regional countries should cooperate to find political solutions to resolve the conflicts in the Middle East," he suggested.
The envoy also noted that the policies of the Islamic Republic are consistent with China's macro policies and called for increased meetings and exchange of views with Iran.
Concern Over Saudi Strikes
Amir Abdollahian also discussed the current developments in the region, particularly in Yemen and Syria, with his Russian counterpart Mikhail Bogdanov in a telephone conversation on Tuesday, IRNA reported citing a foreign ministry press release.
Expressing concern over the continuation of Saudi-led airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen, the two sides warned of the consequences of the aggression on regional security and stability, stressing an immediate and unconditional halt to airstrikes and the need to launch Yemeni dialogue in a neutral country.
The two officials also voiced support for the progress made in the process of national dialogue between Syrian groups currently underway in Moscow, saying a political solution is the only way out of the Syrian crisis.
