Chinese envoy to Iran: Beijing seeks stronger, broader ties with Tehran
Tehran - BORNA - Cong Peiwu, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Iran, made the remarks during a meeting held to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and China.
“Under the current circumstances, the Chinese government seeks better and broader relations between the two countries,” Cong said.
He identified sister-city partnerships as an important area of bilateral cooperation, saying they could help expand exchanges in culture, tourism, education, youth affairs, sports and communications.
Referring to the US war against Iran, the Chinese ambassador also expressed Beijing’s opposition to illegal actions by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Congsaid the Chinese president had presented four initiatives to the United Nations aimed at preserving and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
He said the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations could mark the beginning of deeper and more effective engagement and help elevate bilateral ties to a new level.
Iran, China urged to seize historic opportunity to deepen ties
Aladdin Boroujerdi, head of the Iran-China Friendship Association, also addressed the event, thanking the Chinese ambassador and embassy for organizing the gathering and highlighting the deep historical roots of relations between the two countries.
Boroujerdi said Iran-China relations date back thousands of years, adding that historical records trace formal contacts to the Parthian Empire and China’s Han Dynasty, when a Chinese envoy was sent to the court of Parthian King Mithridates II and exchanges between the two civilizations expanded along the historic Silk Road.
He said bilateral relations had experienced ups and downs over the centuries but entered a new phase in the 20th century following the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, paving the way for broader political, economic and cultural cooperation.
Referring to the period following the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Boroujerdi said relations between Tehran and Beijing had followed an upward trajectory, with reciprocal visits by senior officials and growing bilateral cooperation adding new dimensions to the relationship.
He also pointed to the signing of the 25-year Iran-China Comprehensive Cooperation Program in 2021, describing it as an important document for the future development of bilateral ties.
Boroujerdi stressed that cooperation between Iran and China should not be limited to political and economic fields and said cultural, social, scientific and people-to-people relations should receive greater attention.
He also highlighted the role of friendship associations in strengthening bilateral relations, saying the Iran-China Friendship Association considers it its responsibility to use all available capacities and contacts to promote comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
Turning to recent regional and international developments, Boroujerdi said the Iranian nation does not seek war but stands firmly against aggression. He added that the Islamic Republic had defended its positions in the face of pressure and threats.
Boroujerdi said the international system was undergoing major geopolitical changes and that the transition from a unipolar structure toward a multipolar order was accelerating.
He said Iran, China and Russia could play an important role in shaping the emerging international order.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Iran-China relations, Boroujerdi said strengthening ties with Beijing and making use of China’s capacities to expand bilateral cooperation remained a priority for the Islamic Republic.
He said decisions on bilateral relations should be made at the highest levels and stressed that the current historic opportunity to expand ties should not be missed.
Boroujerdi also called for stronger parliamentary cooperation, saying the Iran-China parliamentary friendship group in the Iranian Parliament has an important responsibility in advancing bilateral relations and should make full use of its capacities.
He expressed hope that Iran-China relations would enter a new phase of more practical, sustainable and comprehensive cooperation, with ties expanding in economic, cultural, scientific, tourism and people-to-people fields.
Boroujerdi had previously emphasized the role of friendship associations as an effective mechanism for deepening relations between Tehran and Beijing. In recent months, the Chinese ambassador to Iran has also highlighted the association’s role in promoting bilateral cooperation during meetings with its members.
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