China calls for fine 'sprint finish' of marathon talks on Iran's nuclear issue

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the capital of Iran on Sunday urged Iran and world powers to jointly push for a successful "sprint finish" of the marathon talks on Iran's nuclear issue.

The P5+1 group (the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany) should strive to "finish well the last kilometer of the marathon talks on Iran's nuclear issue," Wang, who began his two-day visit to Iran on Sunday, said in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad-javad Zarif.

The talks have entered a final stage "like the finish sprint of a marathon, the closer to the end the harder." All sides should be determined to overcome difficulties and obstacles to secure a successful outcome, Wang added.

Wang emphasized China's position of peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue via talks. "Whatever the circumstance, we firmly support talks, oppose the use of violence and disapprove unilateral sanctions."

In addition, China has kept a fair and objective position on the nuclear issue. China has no self-interest in either the nuclear issue or in the geopolitics in Middle East. "China makes independent judgment based on facts, seeking fairness and objectivity," Wang said.

China has also been an active mediator, he said, adding that it has always contributed solutions and wisdom whenever the talks, which have been full of twists and turns, ran into difficulties or arrived at a crucial stage.

Wang urged all sides to seize the "historical opportunity" to resolve the nuclear issue, adding that a comprehensive deal is good for Iran to maintain its lawful rights, to rid the Iranians of economic sanctions, and to maintain peace and stability in the region.

On China-Iran ties, Wang said China values Iran's role in global and regional issues, particularly in the non-alignment movement, and always attaches great importance to its relations with the Islamic republic.

The Chinese foreign minister said that both sides should further promote political mutual trust, maintain high-level exchanges, and step up mutual support on issues involving their respective core interests.

On the Belt and Road initiatives China proposed, Wang appreciated Iran's active participation in the project, saying Beijing would like to coordinate with Tehran in their respective development strategies, and to promote connectivity in win-win cooperation.

Wang also suggested that Iran and China should boost cooperation in energy, anti-terrorism, counter-transnational crimes, culture, education, technologies and tourism.

The two nations should also maintain communications and coordination in dealing with international and regional affairs so as to protect the common interests of the developing nations, he added.

For his part, Zarif said Iran wishes to bring bilateral ties with China to an even higher level. He also pledged to deepen cooperation with China in energy, connectivity, railway and harbor transport, science and technology as well as culture and tourism.

Zarif also appreciated China's constructive role in the talks on Iranian nuclear issue, calling on China to play an even bigger role.