Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ghadir Nezami on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in New Delhi, following the first round of quadrilateral talks between Iran and the United States mediated by Qatar and Pakistan in Switzerland. The two officials discussed regional developments, bilateral cooperation, and the implementation of the peace agreement, according to a statement from the Iranian Embassy in India.
First formal engagement since agreement
The first round of four-party talks involving Iran and the US, with mediation by Qatar and Pakistan, concluded in Switzerland on Monday, marking the first formal engagement since the electronic signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding earlier this week. The 14 points of the agreement embody the "spirit of equality, adhere to the purposes of the United Nations Charter, and are in accordance with the norms of international relations," Wang said, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Wang stressed that the maintenance and implementation of the memorandum of understanding would help consolidate the "hard-won" ceasefire, open new prospects for Iran-US relations, and contribute to restoring peace in the Middle East. "As Iran's comprehensive strategic partner, China has always maintained a fair and objective stance, supports all efforts conducive to peace, supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and national dignity," he added, also expressing support for Tehran's efforts to improve relations with Gulf countries and other regional states.
China's constructive role
China is "willing to continue to provide assistance in its own way and play a constructive role in the early restoration of regional peace and tranquillity," Wang said. Nezami expressed appreciation for China's political support and emphasized the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between Tehran and Beijing, as well as Iran's readiness to respond to any potential threats, according to the Iranian Embassy.
Roadmap to final deal in 60 days
The US and Iran have agreed to a roadmap towards a final deal on ending their war in 60 days. According to a joint statement by mediators Pakistan and Qatar, the two sides agreed to a mechanism to end fighting between US ally Israel and Iran-aligned Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, and opened a communications line to help ensure safe passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global supply route for oil and liquefied natural gas.
Technical talks will continue for the rest of the week in the Qatari-owned Swiss mountain resort of Buergenstock, while a communication channel will be established during the negotiations to prevent incidents and miscommunication. The agreement also announced the creation of a Pakistan- and Qatar-facilitated "de-confliction cell" involving Lebanon to oversee compliance with commitments related to the cessation of military operations in the country.
PM Shehbaz welcomes progress
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the "successful conclusion" of the first High-Level Committee meeting held under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, saying the talks had produced "encouraging progress" and a roadmap toward a final agreement within 60 days. In a post on X, PM Shehbaz said, "Alhamdulillah, the First High-Level Committee Meeting… has concluded successfully in Bürgenstock, Switzerland." He added that the discussions were held in a "positive and constructive atmosphere" and "yielded encouraging progress," including "agreement on a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days," the establishment of a "High-Level Committee to provide political oversight," and the start of further technical negotiations.
The prime minister said he "commends the leadership of both the United States as well as Iran for their continued commitment to constructive engagement," adding that he appreciated their "continued commitment to dialogue and diplomacy."
