China: Iran-Saudi pact key to stamping out 'external interference' in region

China has praised an agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic relations after seven years of hostility, saying the pact will help regional countries to get rid of foreign interference and take the future into their own hands.

After several days of intensive negotiations hosted by China, Iran and Saudi Arabia finally clinched a deal on Friday to restore diplomatic relations and re-open embassies and missions within two months.

According to the statement, Iran and Saudi Arabia highlighted the need to respect each others’ national sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of one another.

Iran, Saudi Arabia and China expressed their firm determination to make their utmost efforts to promote regional and international peace and security, it emphasized.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Saturday that the dialogue and agreement between Tehran and Riyadh "set a good example of how countries in the region can resolve disputes and differences and achieve good neighborliness and friendship through dialogue and consultation."

The agreement, he said, “will help regional countries to get rid of external interference and take the future into their own hands.”

The spokesperson emphasized that Beijing pursues no selfish interest whatsoever in West Asia, respects the stature of the regional countries and opposes "geopolitical competition" in this region.

SS