China, Iran discuss Ukrainian crisis, nuclear issue

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi Monday met with Iran’s acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, to exchange views on a variety of issues, including BRICS cooperation, the Ukrainian crisis, and the Iranian nuclear issue.

During the meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting, Wang reaffirmed Beijing’s support to the Iranian government and people in “adhering to the established domestic and foreign policies and safeguarding their independence, sovereignty, stability and development,” according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.

This is Iran's first participation in the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting as a formal member.

BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Later, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates also joined it.

“China is willing to work with Iran to view China-Iran relations with a strategic vision, grasp the general direction of the development of bilateral relations, solidly promote practical cooperation in various fields, comprehensively deepen coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs, and make greater contributions to promoting regional and world peace and stability,” Wangi said.

He said Beijing will continue to support Iran and Saudi Arabia in advancing the process of improving relations and achieving “lasting good-neighborly friendship” in the region.

Bagheri, for his part, said his country is committed to strengthening its strategic relations with China, strengthening cooperation in various fields, and promoting new progress in bilateral relations.

He said that Iran adheres to the one-China principle and supports China in safeguarding its “sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“Unilateralism has reached a dead end and cannot solve its own problems, let alone global problems,” Bagheri observed, adding that the “protracted” Gaza conflict fully proves this.

Wang also wished for a smooth Iranian presidential election.