Iran, Chinastress accelerating execution of 25-year strategic agreement
First Vice President of Iran Mohammad Mokhber and Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized on accelerating the implementation of the 25-year strategic agreement between the two countries while the two officials held a meeting on the sidelines of the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.
There are many areas of cooperation between Tehran and Beijing, Mokhber said, adding: “If we focus on these areas and pave the ground for the private sectors of the two countries, we will reach a favorable point in realizing the goals of the 25-year agreement.”
He underlined that China is a strategic partner of Iran, and the two countries enjoy a long history of friendship.
Tehran appreciates Beijing’s assistance for its economic and social development and is firmly committed to deepening Iran-China relations, Mokhber noted.
Iran is also willing to work with China in the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen connectivity and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and deepen mutual coordination within multilateral frameworks, he said.
For his part, Li said China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Iran within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and other multilateral mechanisms, practice true multilateralism, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
Since the establishment of China-Iran diplomatic ties more than 50 years ago, bilateral relations have withstood the test of the fluctuating international situation and made steady progress, said the official, noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi met twice this year and reached a series of important consensuses.
Li added that China is ready to work with Iran to implement the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state, enrich the connotation of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership, and bring more benefits to the two peoples.
China will continue to firmly support Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity and will strongly oppose any external forces interfering in Iran’s internal affairs, he stressed.
The two sides should implement the comprehensive cooperation plan between the two countries, promote the Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and people-to-people exchanges in such areas as education, culture, tourism, and think-tanks, as well as promoting new achievements in China-Iran cooperation, Li said.
Boosting gas transit
Also on Thursday, Mokhber voiced Iran’s readiness to develop the exploitation of the gas transit potential of the country in line with its president’s initiative, dubbed “Gas for Global Economic Recovery in Post-COVID Era”.
Addressing the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, he called for setting up a joint fund to finance upstream and downstream petrochemical projects, Shana reported.
The vice president also proposed the launch of a regional hub, dubbed “Shanghai Energy”, with the aim of trading, swapping, and guaranteeing the security of energy resources, including fossil fuels, electricity, and renewable energies.
In addition, Mokhber expressed Iran’s readiness to export techno-engineering services and manufacture oil, gas, and petrochemical equipment.
Opening new air routes to Tajikistan
In another meeting in Bishkek on Thursday, Mokhber and Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda discussed the possibility of opening new air routes and expanding the number of flights between the countries.
It was noted that Tajikistan and Iran are keen on enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including boosting mutual trade, activating the private sector, and collaborating in banking, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
Rasulzoda and Mokhber also discussed further strengthening the work of the intergovernmental commission.
Meanwhile, during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September of this year, presidents Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan and Raisi of Iran expressed their support for simplifying visa procedures and increasing the number of flights between the countries.
Currently, regular air traffic between Tajikistan and Iran is being operated by Iranian Varesh Airlines and Tajik Somon Air.