Chinese Amb. IR to Al Mayadeen: China plays constructive regional role

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
8 May 2023 19:42

The Chinese ambassador to Iran, Zhang Hua, commended China's success in mediating the Iranian-Saudi dialogue and emphasized his country's interest in playing a role in other "peace initiatives".

In this picture released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, shakes hands with his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Chinese counterpart Qin Gang in Beijing Thursday, April 6, 2023. (Iranian Foreign Ministry via AP)

The Chinese ambassador to Iran, Zhang Hua, said that the Iranian-Saudi rapprochement came as a result of "the existence of a common intention between the two countries, and China played the role of coordination between them," adding that Tehran and Riyadh chose China for dialogue and talks, "and we welcomed that."

In an exclusive statement to Al Mayadeen, the ambassador pointed out that China is proud of the success of the Saudi-Iranian dialogue in Beijing, and hopes to see other similar peace initiatives.

Moreover, the Chinese ambassador to Iran stated that "Beijing always calls for peace and development in the region" and explained, "We play a constructive role in Iranian-Saudi relations, and China wants to send a message to the peoples in the region, stating that the Chinese people love peace and stability."

Iran-Saudi rapprochement behind the scenes

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi announced, during an exclusive interview with Al Mayadeen earlier this month, that since he took office, his government's policy is to prioritize establishing friendly ties with neighboring countries and developing bilateral relations in several areas, including the political, economic, cultural, and social fields.

Touching upon this matter, he stressed that religion, culture, and history are shared with the brotherly neighbors of Iran, including West Asia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, especially Islamic countries.

Raisi also revealed some details regarding the events that led to the rapprochement between Tehran and Riyadh.

1/5 #AlMayadeen Exclusive | #Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reveals some details regarding the events that led to the rapprochement between #Tehran and #Riyadh. pic.twitter.com/eFP5oORY3g
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 2, 2023

There were preliminary security negotiations with Saudi Arabia in Baghdad that were initiated under the previous government, he said.

"During my visit to Beijing, the Chinese President [Xi Jinping] said that during his earlier visit to Saudi Arabia, he had reached a proposal," and suggested that Iran and Saudi Arabia resume relations, Iran's President stated.

Raisi said that he, at that time, expressed readiness to re-establish relations with Riyadh and that the initial steps toward Xi's proposal were taken while he was in Beijing.

Xi in return told Raisi during the meeting that the Saudi leadership expressed their desire to restore relations with Iran and that he [Xi] will follow up on the mediation.

Remarking on Beijing's mediating role, Raisi noted that some countries may not have wanted China to be the mediator, but Tehran regarded it in a positive manner.