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China Declares Iranian Foreign Policy “Wise”

China Declares Iranian Foreign Policy “Wise”
China Declares Iranian Foreign Policy “Wise”

A senior Chinese official described Iran's approach toward regional developments as "wise".

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Zhang Ming made the statement in a meeting with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran on Saturday while discussing mutual cooperation and regional developments, IRNA reported.

Referring to recent tensions in relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Zhang said Tehran and Riyadh are two major powers in the Middle East and China would make every effort to help improve bilateral ties and promote regional peace.

The Chinese deputy minister said bilateral ties are being strengthened and the removal of anti-Iran sanctions after the implementation of the nuclear pact, which was reached between Iran and world powers in July 2015, would pave the way for further cooperation.

Zhang hoped the upcoming trip of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Tehran, the first of its kind in 14 years, would be an important milestone in the history of relations.

Xi will lead a high-ranking delegation in an official visit to Iran on January 23.

Zarif said the views of Iran and China on regional and international developments are widely shared and bilateral relations would grow further in the coming years.

The top diplomat was optimistic that the visit of Xi would prepare the ground for developing a framework for comprehensive and strategic cooperation.

On the row with Saudi Arabia, Zarif said Tehran is practicing restraint with regard to the harmful actions of Riyadh.

"Iran's rational approach differs from unconsidered and half-baked positions of Saudi officials. We do not seek tensions in the region," he said.

Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran last Sunday, following the Saudi execution of eminent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr which was announced the previous day on Jan. 2.

Demonstrations were held in front of the Saudi Embassy in Tehran and its consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad to protest against the execution. Some people mounted the walls of the consulate in Mashhad while incendiary devices were hurled at the embassy in Tehran. Some 50 people were detained over the transgression.

Zhang was in Tehran after holding talks with Saudi officials in Riyadh to discuss ties while mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

On Wednesday, Zhang met Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, second deputy premier and minister of defense, in the presence of Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed al-Jubeir and a number of officials in Riyadh.

China has called on Iran and Saudi Arabia to exercise restraint and choose dialogue for solving disputes.

Financialtribune.com