China's foreign minister today called for diplomatic efforts to prevent a further escalation of the Middle East conflict, in phone calls with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts, as China seeks to reduce tensions.
In a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, Wang Yi stressed China's duty to calm tensions and promote dialogue, according to a statement released by the Chinese foreign ministry.
"China has always advocated resolving conflicts through dialogue and consultation," the minister said, stressing that Beijing will continue to strengthen communication between the parties involved to build a broader international consensus.
"We oppose the exacerbation of tensions and the expansion of conflicts," he added.
Araghchi expressed Iran's concern about the risk of further escalation and stressed the value of China's influence in international affairs, stressing Tehran's willingness to work with Beijing to seek diplomatic solutions.
"Iran does not want to see a new escalation of the conflict," he said, urging Israel to exercise caution.
The Iranian minister also stressed the importance of close coordination with China, its main trading partner and strategic ally, to resolve the situation, while awaiting Israel's response to Iran's attack with 180 ballistic missiles on the Jewish state on October 1.
In a separate phone call with his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, Wang stressed that "the humanitarian disasters in Gaza must not continue" and that "fighting violence with violence does not truly address the legitimate concerns of all parties."
Katz briefed Wang on the fighting in northern Israel against the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah, which is part of the Tehran-led "Axis of Resistance" and the Palestinian Hamas.
The Chinese Foreign Minister stressed that China demands “an immediate, complete and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages” held by Hamas.
Beijing has repeatedly reiterated its support for the “two-state solution”, expressing its “dismay” at Israeli attacks on civilians in Gaza, and has taken an increasingly active role as a mediator in Middle East conflicts, which comes in parallel with its growing economic and energy interests as the world’s largest oil importer.
A deal was signed in Beijing last July between the Islamist group Hamas, the secular Fatah party and a dozen other Palestinian groups, and last year China brokered the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
No comments:
Post a Comment