Iranian FM expects China to play bigger role in Middle East peace process

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said that China has the credibility and goodwill to help broker a lasting peace in the Middle East, and expects it to play a bigger role in the region's peace process.

Araghchi visited China from Dec 27 to 28, 2024, and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) on Dec 28, Araghchi shared his thoughts on China's emerging role as a mediator in the Middle East, including its efforts to broker a reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

On March 10, 2023, in a joint statement released with China in Beijing, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced that they had reached an agreement to reopen their embassies and diplomatic missions within two months, marking a milestone in the thawing of their relations.

"It has been more than a year (since the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran). The biggest achievement may be that Iran and Saudi Arabia have started a good process of restoring relations, and both sides are satisfied with the restoration of relations. The restoration of relations has brought benefits to both sides, and this (trend) is still continuing. The two sides have established a good relationship, and (related efforts) are still continuing. Of course, there is still a lot of untapped potential in Iran-Saudi relations, and the restoration of relations between the two countries is a gradual, slow but continuous process. We thank China for its efforts in this regard, and we know that China's help is full of goodwill and the effect is very good," said Araghchi. Araghchi also shared his expectations for China's role in the Middle East peace process in the future.

"We trust China, and we see China's goodwill. China maintains extensive economic and trade relations with all countries in the region, and maintains good and constructive relations with all countries. China is a respected and trustworthy country. I believe that such credibility can allow China to play a political role in the Middle East to help regional countries resolve differences and help them find a peaceful solution. Iran thanks China for its contribution and is willing to continue to cooperate with China," he said. 

Iranian FM expects China to play bigger role in Middle East peace process

Iranian FM expects China to play bigger role in Middle East peace process

The high-speed tourist train between Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Shanxi Province, both in north China, was officially launched on Sunday, injecting new momentum into the cultural and tourism development of the two regions.

The D4022 bullet train, with 420 tourists onboard, embarked on a four-day journey featuring cultural exploration and winter sports.

The new tourist train service follows the opening of the Jining-Datong-Yuanping high-speed railway on Tuesday, which spans from Jining in Inner Mongolia through Datong to Yuanping in Shanxi.

The tourist train, decorated with festive elements, provided an immersive Inner Mongolian cultural experience for passengers with performances of the horsehead fiddle and traditional Mongolian dances and songs.

"When I got on the train, I felt warm at heart as it was filled with the atmosphere of the Year of the Snake and the Spring Festival," said Li Zhiqiang, one of the passnegers. Upon arriving in Inner Mongolia, the tourists will have the opportunity to explore cities such as Hohhot, Ordos, Ulanqab, and Baotou, fully experiencing the charm of winter tourism in the region. "Going forward, we will continue to promote the 'high-speed rail plus tourism' model, striving to create more cultural tourism products and premium routes to offer better services to tourists from across the country," said Ma Jing, a staff member of the Inner Mongolia Department of Culture and Tourism.

The launch of the high-speed tourist train coincides with China's announcement of an expanded railway network on Sunday, with a new operating plan adding 230 passenger trains nationwide, bringing the total to 13,028. The updated schedule is expected to enhance travel convenience, particularly during the busy Spring Festival travel period.

First Shanxi-Inner Mongolia high-speed tourist train launched