Chinese President Xi Jinping has told the speaker of Iranian parliament that China’s desire to develop fresh close ties with Tehran will remain unchanged, ahead of Saudi Arabia crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Thursday’s visit to Beijing. Crown prince, also known as MBS, is on a two-day official visit to Beijing and has arrived in Beijing on Thursday.
Iran is Beijing’s fourth largest supplier of oil last year, and China has been playing a little role in Middle East conflicts and diplomacy, despite relying on Iran for oil, but has been trying to raise its profile in the Arab world.
According to Reuters news reports, while meeting Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani on Wednesday, the Chinese president said both the sides had a long relationship and has also shared long-tested mutual trust and understanding, according to a statement by Chinese foreign ministry which was issued on Thursday.
“No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China’s resolve to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran will remain unchanged,” it paraphrased Xi as saying.
He added, “China and Iran should further deepen strategic mutual trust and continue to support each other on core interests and major concerns.”
Xi claimed that China advocates cooperation among regional and international parties in order to swiftly stabilize the Middle East and for further development.
Xi said, “We support Iran in playing a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability and are willing to closely communicate and coordinate on regional issues.”
In Beijing, Larijani was accompanied by oil minister Bijan Zanganeh and foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who met his Chinese counterpart on Tuesday.