The Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan, reiterated this Tuesday before the Chinese authorities his willingness to preserve "joint coordination" in the face of the situation in the Middle East, in a context marked by the efforts of the United States and Iran to implement the preliminary agreement signed with the aim of ending the conflict.
During his official visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, the head of Saudi diplomacy explained that, after reviewing "developments in regional and international situations," both leaders "emphasized the interest of the two friendly countries in continuing joint coordination regarding regional and international affairs."
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement released on social media that the meeting allowed for an examination of the "excellent bilateral relations" between Riyadh and Beijing and a discussion of "ways to develop mutual cooperation," underlining the shared interest in "continuing to work and elevate relations."
Han expressed China's willingness to collaborate with Saudi Arabia "to implement" the "important consensus" reached between the leaders of both countries, with the aim of "deepening mutual political trust, enhancing high-level exchanges, and expanding practical cooperation in order to drive new advances in bilateral relations."
The Chinese Vice President stressed that China and Saudi Arabia "should strengthen communication and coordination and contribute to maintaining regional and global peace and stability," as they are two "important" actors within the so-called 'Global South'.
China calls for a comprehensive agreement "as soon as possible"
Later, Faisal bin Farhan met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who expressed his "satisfaction" with the development of talks between the United States and Iran. "Although the current ceasefire remains fragile, it is always better to talk than to continue fighting. Dialogue is preferable to confrontation," he stated, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Wang stressed that the priority now is to "preserve and properly implement the memorandum of understanding" between Washington and Tehran, urging to "maintain the momentum of negotiations, overcome difficulties and interferences, and strive to reach a comprehensive agreement acceptable" to both parties as soon as possible.
Chinese authorities have thus reiterated their willingness to work alongside Saudi Arabia to help reduce tensions and promote lasting peace in the Middle East.
In parallel, Qatari authorities confirmed this Tuesday that a United States delegation has traveled to Doha to address peace talks with Iran, although they have ruled out direct meetings with Iranian representatives for now, while Tehran speaks of contacts focused on the implementation of the clauses of the memorandum of understanding.