China says Iran-Saudi normalisation will lead to 'wave of reconciliation' across MENA

China says Iran-Saudi normalisation will lead to 'wave of reconciliation' across MENA
China has recently stepped up its interests in seeing rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, with Beijing believing it would lead to widespread reconciliation across the region.
1 min read
21 August, 2023
China has played a key role in rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran [Getty]

After China's dialogue with Iran and Saudi Arabia, both countries have continued to take steps to improve relations, leading to the formation of a "wave of reconciliation" in the Middle East, China's foreign minister said on Monday.

China "appreciates the correct decision made by the Iranian side", Minister Wang Yi said in a statement on Monday, adding that China will continue to support Middle East countries to explore development in line with their own national conditions.

Perspectives

Wang also said that only by restoring the integrity and effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action can the Iranian nuclear issue be fundamentally resolved. 

China's comments come after Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held talks about mutual cooperation between Tehran and Riyadh with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah during a diplomatic visit on Friday. 

It was the first time a senior Iranian official had met with the kingdom's de facto ruler Prince Mohammed. 

(Reuters)