China's Middle East envoy meets Iranian security and foreign ministry officials in Tehran

Zhai Jun, the Chinese government's special representative for Middle East affairs, met in Tehran with Ali Bagheri, deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, political deputy of the Foreign Ministry, and Mohammad Ali Bak, assistant to the foreign minister and director general for Persian Gulf affairs, according to a statement by China's Foreign Ministry. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and developments in the West Asia region.

Zhai noted the 55th anniversary of Iran-China diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership, stressing Beijing's readiness to expand ties with Tehran. He said the use of force is not a solution to the region's problems, calling for respect for the sovereignty and security of states, avoiding escalation, and a political settlement of regional crises through dialogue.

The Iranian officials stressed the importance of relations with China and thanked Beijing for what they described as its constructive role in efforts to establish peace and stop the war. They stressed Iran's defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the political settlement of regional differences through dialogue, and opposition to foreign interference.

The meetings brought together a senior Chinese diplomat and several Iranian officials responsible for security and foreign policy, in a round of consultations that covered both bilateral cooperation and regional affairs. No further details on the outcomes of the talks were provided in the statement.

According to Mehr News, citing China's Foreign Ministry, the visit took place as the two countries mark the anniversaries of their diplomatic relations and strategic partnership.