The successful talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Beijing are a victory for dialogue and peace, according to China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, following China’s major diplomatic coup in Middle East geopolitics.
Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed on Friday to re-establish relations after seven years of hostility that threatened Gulf stability and security and fueled conflicts from Yemen to Syria.
“This is a victory for dialogue, a victory for peace, offering significant good news at a time of great turbulence in the world,” Wang said at the end of the dialogue, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
According to a tripartite joint statement released by China’s foreign ministry, previously undisclosed talks between the two were held March 6-10 in the Chinese capital by top security officials from Saudi Arabia and Iran.
The three parties expressed their willingness to make “every effort” to strengthen international and regional peace and security in the statement.
The historic agreement represents a diplomatic victory for China in a region dominated by US geopolitics. It also comes as China calls for dialogue on Russia’s war in Ukraine, despite Western accusations that Beijing has not done enough.
“China has faithfully fulfilled its duties as the host as a good-faith and reliable mediator,” Wang said.
China will continue to play a constructive role in addressing global hotspot issues and demonstrate its responsibility as a major power, he said.
“The world is not just the Ukraine issue,” Wang said.
