China’s Middle East envoy Zhai Jun discussed Yemen’s crisis and views on a future regional security system with Mohammad Alibek, head of Iran’s Foreign Ministry Persian Gulf department, on Nov. 8, Alibek said.
Alibek, also an assistant to the foreign minister, said their discussion covered a political solution to Yemen’s crisis. The two exchanged views on a future regional security system and stressed the need for further consultations between Tehran and Beijing, he said.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Zhai also met Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi during the Tehran visit. The ministry described talks on bilateral relations and broader Middle East developments. It said force would not resolve regional disputes and called for respect for countries’ sovereignty and security.
The meetings were part of Zhai’s Iran visit and his call for political settlements.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Nov. 2 that Zhai’s tour was intended to encourage peace talks and ease tensions. She named Oman and Saudi Arabia as other planned stops in early and mid-November.
