New York, United States - September 24, 2024

China upholds fairness and justice to promote a ceasefire in Gaza, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday when meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

China supports regional countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia in continuing to improve their relations and resolving regional security issues through unity and cooperation, taking control of the Middle East's fate into their own hands, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Wang said China supports Arab and Islamic countries in being united as one and in making a stronger voice to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East at an early date.

Noting that both China and Iran are ancient civilizations that have made significant contributions to human progress, Wang said that China is willing to enhance practical cooperation with Iran in various fields to support each country's development.

Over the past 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries, guided by mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual support, have promoted healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, and contributed to regional and world peace and stability, he said.

China always views its relations with Iran from a strategic height and long-term perspective and is willing to advance practical cooperation in various fields with Iran to help the development of their respective countries.

Under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, China is willing to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries toward greater development, the foreign minister said.

Regardless of changes in the international or regional situation, China will always be a trustworthy partner to Iran, continuing to support Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity, while opposing external interference in Iran's internal affairs as well as sanctions, Wang said.

Noting both China and Iran adhere to independent development paths and firmly defend international fairness and justice, Wang said the two countries should jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and promote world multi-polarity and greater democracy in international relations.

Pezeshkian said that Iran is firmly committed to the one-China policy and developing friendly relations with China, adding that Iran is willing to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.

In this rapidly changing world, as some countries pursue unilateralism and hegemonic practices, Iran and China should strengthen cooperation, join hands to face challenges, and jointly uphold multilateralism and international fairness and justice, he said.

China plays an important role in world peace and regional security, said Pezeshkian. In the face of a humanitarian tragedy unfolding in the Middle East, China is expected to play a greater role in promoting a ceasefire and alleviating the humanitarian crisis, according to Pezeshkian.

Shotlist:
U.N. Headquarters, New York City - Sept 24, 2024:
1. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (R) shaking hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L), also member of Political Bureau of Communist Party of China Central Committee;
2. Pezeshkian, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi shaking hands with Chinese officials;
3. Various of meeting in progress between Wang, Pezeshkian; officials present.

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