Progress made toward peace in Middle East

China has made a significant global mark in diplomacy by playing a pivotal role in brokering a historic Middle East peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The breakthrough in the long-running hostility between the two nations was made possible through China's tremendous diplomatic efforts and President Xi Jinping's strategic vision. The Chinese leadership facilitated a series of high-level talks between Iranian and Saudi Arabian officials in Beijing, leading to the restoration of diplomatic relations and the reopening of embassies in Teheran and Riyadh.

This development reflects China's effective diplomatic efforts for creating peaceful coexistence in spite of differences in the Middle East.

The historic development has made ripples globally. The agreement is seen as a significant win for China, as well as a positive development for the region. Iran and Saudi Arabia also agreed to respect the sovereignty of states, not interfere in each other's internal affairs and revive previous cooperation agreements in various fields.

President Xi traveled to Saudi Arabia in December to deepen the already comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia and enhance strategic communication. Moreover, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Beijing in February to engage in discussions of critical strategic importance. These high-level meetings and visits have made significant pathways for highlighting interests and have encouraged collaboration and the cultivation of peace and economic prosperity.

Against the backdrop of these two meetings of Xi with the leadership of Iran and Saudi Arabia, the normalization of diplomatic relations between Teheran and Riyadh is a huge step forward for peace and stability in the Middle East. China enjoys exceptional leverage regarding both nations: It has announced a $400 billion investment in multiple sectors of the Iranian economy, while trade between Saudi Arabia and China is close to $100 billion per year, with China accounting for a quarter of Riyadh's energy exports each year.

The Middle East is another important region for the connectivity of the Belt and Road Initiative. Saudi Arabia and China have long been engaged in economic and trade collaboration. Saudi businesses have made significant advancement on BRI-related projects and investment. For instance, last year, Sino-Saudi investment reached approximately $5.4 billion.

China and Iran, meanwhile, have made significant advancement on BRI collaboration with a 25-year cooperation program and a comprehensive strategic partnership. These cooperation mechanisms have been made possible through positive diplomatic engagement of China over the years.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed that both sides will not only revive their diplomatic ties but also implement the General Agreement for Cooperation in the Fields of Economy, Trade, Investment, Technology, Culture, Sports and Youth. Both sides will also make joint efforts with China toward peace, stability and security in the region and the world.

This agreement marks a welcome step toward ending the years-long conflict in the region. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, has congratulated both nations for their commitment to peace and expressed appreciation for their sincerity and unity of purpose.

The agreement is also a positive step toward de-escalating tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia and fostering cooperation in key areas. It is hoped that this will lead to greater stability and peace in the Middle East, which is crucial for global security and prosperity. The international community welcomes this development and looks forward to continued progress toward a peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region.

China has always supported diplomacy and negotiations to end conflict, and the peace agreement testifies to the Chinese approach to ending conflict in the Middle East.

The writer is founder of the Friends of BRI Forum. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.