Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged during his first meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to “unwaveringly develop cooperation with Iran” amid growing fear of an all-out war in the Middle East.
“Regardless of changes in the international and regional situation, China will unwaveringly develop cooperation with Iran,” Xi told Pezeshkian on the sidelines of a Brics summit in Russia’s southwestern Kazan, according to a statement by China’s foreign ministry.
“China supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and dignity, steadily advancing its economic and social development, and improving and deepening its good-neighbourly relations with neighbouring countries,” he added.
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Xi and Putin vow stronger China-Russia cooperation to counter Western-led world order
Xi and Putin vow stronger China-Russia cooperation to counter Western-led world order
Pezeshkian said Tehran was willing to promote deeper cooperation with China in crucial economic sectors, such as infrastructure and clean energy, according to China’s foreign ministry.
The Islamic Republic president also vowed to “stand firmly with China” in support of each other on core interests “to oppose global hegemony and bullying” – a clear reference to the United States.
The founding members of Brics – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – invited Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to join the bloc during the summit in Johannesburg last year. Saudi Arabia has not officially joined the group.
The Iranian president’s visit to Russia and an in-person meeting with his Chinese counterpart are his first since being sworn into office in July.