EU, China vow to uphold Iran nuclear deal

By: The Associated Press

Friday, June 1, 2018 4:25 AM

BRUSSELS (AP) The European Union and China say they will do their utmost to keep afloat an international agreement to stop Iran developing nuclear weapons despite the U.S. abandoning the pact.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday that "we will be unswerving in upholding it."

Speaking alongside EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, he said the agreement has been endorsed by the UN and that "every party has the duty to implement it."

Mogherini, who helps oversee the implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal, praised China and said Beijing, the EU and other partners are working "in full coordination" to save the pact.

President Donald Trump last month reneged on the agreement, saying it fails to stop Iran developing ballistic missiles or playing a damaging role in the Middle East.

EU, China vow to uphold Iran nuclear deal

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, right, prepares to shake hands with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi prior to a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels, Friday, June 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

The Associated Press

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, left, prepares to shake hands with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi prior to a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels, Friday, June 1, 2018. The European Union and China say they will deepen ties on trade and investment and that they fully support global trade rules, after U.S. President Donald slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

The Associated Press

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, right, speaks with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels, Friday, June 1, 2018. The European Union and China say they will deepen ties on trade and investment and that they fully support global trade rules, after U.S. President Donald slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

The Associated Press

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, right, speaks with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi prior to a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels, Friday, June 1, 2018. The European Union and China say they will deepen ties on trade and investment and that they fully support global trade rules, after U.S. President Donald slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

The Associated Press