China’s peace efforts are widely praised, and the Saudi-Iranian deal is widely welcomed. Algerian Dialogue

The announcement of the restoration of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, made on Friday in a joint statement with China, has been widely welcomed around the world as a victory for peace and dialogue.

Analysts and media have praised China for its role as a peace broker and for its efforts to facilitate dialogue.

A victory for peace

Riyadh and Tehran expressed their hope to open a new chapter in relations and their appreciation for China’s assistance.

Dr. Musaed bin Muhammad Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, Saudi National Security Adviser, said, “We appreciate the agreement we reached and hope that we will continue the constructive dialogue … while expressing the value and appreciation we attach to the continuous positive role played by the People’s Republic of China in this regard.”

Similarly, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said that “removing misunderstandings and looking to the future in relations between Tehran and Riyadh” will lead to strengthening regional stability and security and increasing cooperation among the countries of the region.

Shamkhani also appreciated China’s “constructive role” in supporting the development of relations between countries, which is necessary for resolving challenges, increasing peace and stability and promoting international cooperation, Iranian media reported.

Various countries and parties in the Middle East, including Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, also welcomed the Beijing agreement.

Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, posted a tweet on the micro-blogging site (Twitter), in which he said, “We welcome the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume diplomatic relations between the two countries, and we appreciate the Chinese role in this regard.”

He added that the UAE believes in the importance of communication and positive dialogue between the countries of the region towards consolidating the concepts of good neighborliness and starting from a common ground to build a more stable future for all.

Meanwhile, the United Nations praised the Saudi-Iranian agreement to restore diplomatic relations, praising the role played by China during the process.

“The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation to the People’s Republic of China for hosting these recent talks and for promoting dialogue between the two countries,” said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, praising the efforts made by other countries such as Oman and Iraq.

Why China?

Analysts pointed out that China respects the status of countries in the region and opposes geopolitical competition in the Middle East. This approach helped China gain credibility in the region.

Liu Lanyu, an expert on Iranian affairs at the Institute of International and Area Studies at China’s Tsinghua University, told Xinhua that China has put forward practical initiatives in the field of global security that respect and take into account the interests of all parties.

China has no history of colonialism or interference in Middle East affairs, Liu said, adding that regional countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia now view China as a provider of security solutions when seeking peace.

Explained by Thomas S. Warrick, a non-resident research fellow at the Scowcroft Center for Strategic and Security Studies of the Atlantic Council, notes that “China’s public role in today’s announcement shows its interest in doing something few other countries have been able to do: earn the trust of both sides.”

Likewise, Jonathan Fulton, a non-resident fellow for Middle East programs at the Atlantic Council, reports that Beijing has managed to intensify relations on both sides of the Gulf while building diplomatic capital in a way that other powers outside the region cannot.

Mohammad Reza Manafi, editor-in-chief of the Asia-Pacific News Department of Iran’s official IRNA news agency, said the international community needs China’s appreciation for its role as a country working for peace and stability in the world.

And Manafi stated that “China has convinced the world that it believes that if there is peace and friendship between the countries of the world, it will be for the benefit of all peoples around the world, while wars and enmities will never serve humanity.”