China will continue to bolster strategic cooperation with Iran, protect mutual interests, and strive for regional and global peace, according to Foreign Minister Wang Yi. His remarks, reported by Chinese state media, came during talks with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari on Tuesday at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.
“Iran has lost outstanding leaders and China has lost good friends and partners,” said Wang. “In this difficult time, China firmly stands by Iranian friends.” These comments followed the recent deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash.
The bodies of the deceased arrived at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in Tehran on Tuesday, ahead of their burial earlier today. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, conveyed condolences and sympathy on behalf of China.
Wang noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping had sent a message of condolence to Iranian leaders. He expressed confidence that under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s leadership, Iran would transform its grief into strength, continuing its strategic advancements and maintaining national stability and development.
Regardless of changes in the situation, Beijing will steadfastly support Iran, Wang reiterated. Safari thanked President Xi and Wang for their condolences and support. He assured that Iran’s policies would remain unchanged and the nation would continue its development process.
Safari also acknowledged Tehran’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with China in various sectors and appreciated China’s role in fostering reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia. He expressed Iran’s willingness to improve relations with regional countries.
