BEIJING – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakich says Iran continues to “consult and update” China over its talks with the US on the nuclear issue.
When Iran’s top diplomat arrived in Beijing on Wednesday morning, he made comments in an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times for his official visit on the day.
Araqchi described China-Iran relations as “strategic.”
“Well, my main purpose (of a trip to China) is to consult with a friend in China. The relationship between Iran and China is one of the strategic partnerships. I’m constantly consulting about issues of mutual interest, especially with indirect discussions with the US.
He also welcomed China’s important role in all diplomatic processes regarding Iran’s nuclear issue, particularly the role that led to the signing of the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA.
“China has always been a very positive and very constructive role. It is an Iranian nuclear issue and I am confident that it will be the same in the future. Therefore, we are also consulting on how China can contribute to the continued continuation of these consultations,” he said. Iran and the United States began indirect negotiations on Iran’s nuclear issue earlier this month.
President Donald Trump’s Middle East (West Asia) envoys Arachchi and Steve Witkov led two rounds of meetings in Oman and Italy on April 12th and 19th, respectively.
They will hold indirect consultations for the third round in the capital Muscat of Oman on Saturday.
Araqchi further said that consultations could bear fruit if the US avoids “unrealistic and unrelated demands.”
“The discussion with the US is on the way forward in the right direction. It’s still too early to judge. We are cautiously optimistic and we are confident that if Americans stay in constructive mode and continue to avoid unrealistic and energetic demands, we can get somewhere.
Araqchi held a meeting with China’s Deputy Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang in the Beijing Hall of Fame.
At the meeting, Arakichi emphasized that. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Between Iran and China, it will not be affected by negotiations between Tehran and Washington.