ISTANBUL

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that Beijing is ready to work with Islamic countries to safeguard the "legitimate rights and interests" of developing nations and oppose a return of the world to "the law of the jungle."

Wang made these remarks during talks with Hissein Brahim Taha, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Beijing, according to an official statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Wang said both sides should focus on "high-quality" Belt and Road cooperation, promote political solutions to regional hotspots, and maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.

Beijing has always attached strategic importance to developing relations with Islamic countries and the OIC, and appreciates their firm support on Taiwan, he added.

The Chinese minister also called on both sides to practice "true" multilateralism, uphold the central role of the UN and the fundamental norms of international relations, and contribute to building a more just and equitable global governance system.

The OIC is the largest intergovernmental organization in the Islamic world and "an important symbol of the unity and autonomy of Islamic countries, Wang noted.

Taha, for his part, said the OIC "opposes external interference in China's internal affairs,” and "is willing to work with China to deepen their partnership and jointly maintain regional peace, stability and prosperity," according to the statement.

He praised China's "active contributions to promoting a comprehensive, lasting and just settlement of the Palestinian issue,” and expressed the hope that China will continue to play a greater role in this regard, the statement read.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng also met with Taha.

Han observed that the OIC is an important bridge for China's development of relations with Islamic countries.