Wang Yi Holds Talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

On March 27, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran.

Wang Yi noted, since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, China and Iran have maintained close communication and exchanges, shown mutual understanding and support, and continuously deepened the political mutual trust. Under the new situation, the two countries should continue mutual support on the issues related to each other's core interests and major concerns, so as to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, the basic norms governing international relations, the common interests of developing countries including China and Iran, as well as equality and justice in the international community.

Wang Yi said, China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Iran in combating COVID-19 and protecting public health, in order to push forward the construction of a global community of health for all. The China-Iran cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative should be stepped up to promote further development of the bilateral relations. The two countries should take the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties as an opportunity to actively carry out cultural and people-to-people exchanges and enhance the friendship between the two peoples. China welcomes Iran to send a delegation to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

Wang Yi said, the two countries agreed to conclude a comprehensive cooperation plan, according to a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership in January 2016. Through concerted efforts of both countries, we will sign the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan today to tap the potential for cooperation in areas such as economy and culture and map out prospects for cooperation in the long run. He believes it will further promote the continuous upgrading of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership and better benefit the two peoples.

Mohammad Javad Zarif said, the exchanges between Iran and China could be dated back to long ago. Iran attaches great importance to its relations with China, and strengthening cooperation with China is a strategic choice made by Iran. Iran congratulated China on successfully containing the COVID-19 pandemic and making great achievement in protecting the safety of its people, appreciated China's help to Iran's fight against the virus, and hoped to further the anti-epidemic cooperation with China. The signing of the comprehensive cooperation plan will inject new impetus into further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation. Iran thanked China's firm support for Iran's opposition to illegal unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States, while vowing to stand with China and oppose some Western forces' ungrounded pressures on China. Iran looks forward to participating in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games and will resist any attempt to sabotage the Games.

Both sides also exchanged in-depth views on the Iranian nuclear issue. Mohammad Javad Zarif said, the United States, instead of making unreasonable demands on Iran, should take the first step, lift unilateral sanctions against Iran, and return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran is willing to work closely with China, a reliable partner on this matter, and jointly push the JCPOA back on track. Wang Yi said, as the current situation of the Iranian nuclear issue is caused by the unilateral withdrawal from the deal by the United States, the United States should lift its illegitimate sanctions against Iran, cancel its measures of long-arm jurisdiction over third parties, and resume the implementation of the JCPOA comprehensively and unconditionally. The relevant parties may lay the ground for restoring the JCPOA through formulating a roadmap with synchronization and reciprocity, and seeking early results, in which regard China is willing to continue to play a constructive role.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern, and attended the exhibition of historical documents on the China-Iran friendly exchanges.

After the meeting, the two ministers signed the document on the plan for China-Iran comprehensive cooperation.