According to a statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese and Iranian delegations discussed Chinese President Xi Jinping's four-point initiative for promoting common security in the Middle East during the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The statement noted that the initiative aims to maintain and promote peace and stability in the Middle East, and China will "make every effort" to advance "peace talks." This official discussion occurred days after Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref during the SCO summit.