Wang Yi Had a Phone Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal

A member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal by appointment on the 2nd. Faisal briefed on the latest developments in the situation in the Middle East, saying that the fighting involving Iran has caused serious impacts on countries in the region and around the world. The Saudi side attaches great importance to China’s important role in international affairs, cherishes the high-level strategic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China, and hopes to strengthen communication and coordination with China on platforms such as the United Nations, so as to jointly promote de-escalation of the fighting, and end the conflict.

Wang Yi said that the fighting involving Iran has dragged on for more than a month, causing enormous casualties and losses, and has dealt a blow to the security and stability of Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, which China is concerned about. China has, together with Pakistan, recently issued a five-point initiative on restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East regions, covering matters including safeguarding the sovereignty and security of Gulf states, stopping attacks on civilians and non-military targets, and ensuring the safety of shipping lanes. The issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover manifestation of this conflict. As long as the fighting continues, the strait will not be safe. The top priority is to focus on stopping the fighting and achieving a ceasefire at the earliest possible moment. The actions of the UN Security Council should avoid an escalation of confrontation, and should not legitimize unauthorized military action; otherwise, it will bring endless trouble, and smaller and medium-sized countries in particular will be the first to bear the brunt. China commends the Saudi side for its commitment to promoting peace and putting an end to the war, and is willing to work with the Saudi side to make efforts for the restoration of peace in the region at an early date.

(Xinhua News Agency)