China’s “Global Times” on the 8th quoted Agence France-Presse as reporting on the 7th that the French Foreign Ministry said on the same day that the French Foreign Minister held a rare face-to-face meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister in China. French Foreign Minister Colonne, who is visiting China with President Macron, met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abdullahiyan in Beijing. During the talks, Colonna and Abdullahyan discussed comprehensively bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern, according to a statement from both sides. They also exchanged views on consular issues and agreed to promote mutual respect and continued dialogue.
At the same time, according to a number of foreign media reports, including the US media, people familiar with the matter revealed that CIA Director Burns made a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia this week and expressed “surprise” at the country’s recent rapprochement with Iran and Syria. and dissatisfaction”.
The Wall Street Journal reported on the 7th that earlier this week, Burns made an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia to express his displeasure. He told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the United States had been surprised by Riyadh’s settlement with Iran and Syria, backed by Washington’s “global rivals”.
Archyde.com said on the 6th that when the news of Burns’ visit to Saudi Arabia was announced, the Saudi foreign minister and the Iranian foreign minister held talks in Beijing. It was the first meeting in more than seven years of senior diplomats from two regional rivals. According to the Wall Street Journal, according to a joint statement, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal and Iranian Foreign Minister Abdul Rahiyan agreed to restart flights between the two countries and resume official and private visits. Open embassies and consulates in both countries that were closed in 2016. A few weeks ago, with the mediation of China, the Saudi and Iranian governments agreed to resume diplomatic relations.
The “Washington Post” stated on the 6th that Saudi Arabia’s choice of China as its mediator is sending a clear signal that they believe that Beijing is a more reliable long-term cooperative partner than the United States. The US “Politics News Network” stated on the 6th that although some people in Washington worry that China is filling the vacuum left by the United States, most people see the positive side of Beijing’s efforts to stabilize the region. “Not everything between the U.S. and China has to be a zero-sum game,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, head of the Middle East panel on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He said improved relations between Riyadh and Tehran meant With fewer conflicts in the region, which would reduce the likelihood of the U.S. being drawn into wars in the Middle East, “I don’t know why we think de-escalation between Saudi Arabia and Iran would have a negative impact,” he said.
