China Hails Improvement in Iran-Saudi Ties

The  foreign minister of China lauded the progress in the restoration of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

 In a telephone conversation on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi talked about a range of regional and international issues.The senior Chinese diplomat said he is delighted that Amirabdollahian has traveled to Saudi Arabia and the ties between Tehran and Riyadh are improving.

He also provided a positive assessment of the ties between China and Iran. Wang additionally shared China’s perspective on the forthcoming BRICS summit in South Africa.Iran is among dozens of countries that seek membership in BRICS and has submitted a formal membership application. China has welcomed Iran’s application.

The top Chinese diplomat also said Iran is considered an important member of the Belt and Road Initiative. In the Sunday phone call, the Iranian and Chinese ministers also evaluated the bilateral relations and cooperation as “positive and progressing.”

For his part, Amirabdollahian said the landmark 25-year comprehensive strategic partnership agreement was heading in the "right direction.