On the afternoon of December 17, 2015 local time, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Khonsari of Iran in New York.

Wang Yi expressed that the 3rd foreign ministers' meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) to be held tomorrow is at a critical time point of politically solving the Syrian issue. Some progress has been made in the last two meetings, yet missions such as integration of oppositions and screening of terrorist organizations remain uncompleted. Wang Yi highlighted that the momentum of political settlement was gathered painstakingly. The process of political settlement may retrogress if we fail to forge ahead. Considering the big picture, the Chinese side decided to participate in the meetings and is willing to, with an objective and impartial stance, make constructive contributions to advancing political settlement of the Syrian issue. It is hoped that all parties can reach new consensus on solving the remaining issues at tomorrow's meeting so as to inject new impetus into the political settlement process.

Mohammad Javad Zarif Khonsari expressed that the Iranian side is committed to enhancing comprehensive cooperation with the Chinese side. At present the Syrian issue is on the critical moment of political settlement with progress and differences interwoven. Iran stands ready to maintain close communication with China throughout the whole process.