China urges Iran and Saudi Arabia to work together to ‘avoid miscalculation’ as diplomats meet on restoration of ties
- Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks with senior Saudi and Iranian officials in first meeting of committee to support normalisation of relations
- In pointed reference to US – Riyadh’s ally and Tehran’s rival – Wang calls on the Middle Eastern countries to ‘eliminate external interference’
“China has always stood by Arab and Muslim countries and supported the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. The most urgent task is to promote a ceasefire in Gaza, to stop the war, to promote humanitarian assistance, and to resume the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations,” state news agency Xinhua quoted Wang as saying.
The meeting was the first of the China-Saudi Arabia-Iran joint committee, a dialogue mechanism to support Riyadh and Tehran’s normalisation process.
“It is hoped that the two sides will continue to enhance mutual trust through dialogue and consultation, and achieve a lasting and comprehensive good-neighbourly friendship,” Wang said.
Riyadh-owned Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said China expressed its readiness to continue playing a constructive role and its support for the Saudi and Iranian sides to strengthen ties.
SPA also reported that the talks covered the reopening of the two countries’ embassies and mutual visits by their foreign ministers.