Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said that his government is determined to expand cooperation with Russia and China as part of efforts to counter US unilateralism in the international arena.
Pezeshkian made the comment on Wednesday as he hosted Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing in Tehran.
The US is pursuing totalitarianism and unilateralism in the international arena, the Iranian president said, adding “We are determined to expand our cooperation with Russia and China in line with countering unilateralism.”
He also said that Iran and China have lone enjoyed “friendly and close cooperation”, and “today the ties between the two countries are strategic.”
Pezeshkian further said that his government is pursuing the implementation of Iran-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement, adding that he held constructive talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan in late October.
“In the latest meeting, we reached good understandings with Mr. Xi Jinping, and your trip to Tehran to follow up on these understandings is indicative of the Chinese government’s determination to expand relations with Iran”, President Pezeshkian told the Chinese vice premier.
Zhang Guoqing conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President Xi to Pezeshkian, describing Iran as an important country that plays an effective and constructive role in the international arena.
The Chinese vice premier said that his trip to Iran is aimed at following up on the understandings reached between Xi and Pezeshkian in Kazan.
“Iran is a strategic and important partner for China”, Zhang Guoqing said, adding that his country intends to strengthen its “strategic and long-term ties” with Iran.
He further said that Beijing is pleased with Tehran’s cooperation to deepen bilateral relations, adding that the two sides also share useful cooperation at international organizations to counter unilateralism.