Wang: Implementing Iran-US memorandum key to restoring peace in Middle East

China's top diplomat Wang Yi said on Monday that maintaining and implementing the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States will help consolidate the hard-won ceasefire, open new prospects for Iran-US relations and restore peace in the Middle East.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with Qadir Nizamipour, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in New Delhi.

China welcomes the launch of follow-up consultations on the MoU by Iran and the United States with the assistance of Pakistan and Qatar, as well as the consensus reached on the mechanism for the next stage of negotiations, Wang said.

The 14 core provisions of the MoU did not come easily, Wang said. They call for an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities, no use or threat of force, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and noninterference in internal affairs.

These provisions reflect the spirit of equality, conform to the purposes of the United Nations Charter and are in line with the norms governing international relations, he said.

Wang added that maintaining and implementing the MoU serves not only Iran's fundamental interests, but also the shared expectations of the international community.

As Iran's comprehensive strategic partner, China has always upheld a just position and supported all efforts conducive to peace, he said, adding that China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, as well as in improving relations with Gulf countries and other countries in the region.

Wang also expressed China's readiness to continue providing assistance in its own way and to play a constructive role in restoring peace and stability in the region at an early date.

Nizamipour briefed Wang on the latest developments in the Middle East situation and Iran-US negotiations. He expressed sincere appreciation for China's consistent efforts to promote peace and stop the conflict, and said Iran looks forward to China continuing to play an important role in helping ensure the effective implementation of the first-phase MoU between Iran and the US.

Speaking of bilateral ties, Wang said China has always viewed and advanced the relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective.

China stands ready to work with Iran to strengthen high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation, so as to promote the steady and sustained development of bilateral relations, he added.

Nizamipour told Wang that Iran has always attached great importance to its relations with China, and that deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries is a consensus across Iranian society.

Iran firmly abides by the one-China principle and is willing to enhance coordination under multilateral frameworks such as BRICS to tackle common challenges, he said.