Tehran – Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seiyed Ali Khamenei emphasizes the importance of building on political and economic opportunities arising from recent travel to China to China that resonate with five principles outlined in China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI).
“His recent trip to China has been fantastic and does not potentially express the foundations due to the major developments our country needs, both economically and politically. Fortunately, he has created such a foundation through this trip.
Pezeschkian traveled to China on August 31, with a four-day official visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, and Beijing’s major military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. While there he also spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In their speech, Xi emphasized GGI, expressed his willingness to work with Iran and the international community, promoting a more equitable and equitable global governance system and collaboratively building communities that share the future of humanity. Pezeshkian has expressed full support for China’s GGI.
The two presidents also highlighted the progress in long-term contracts for Iran and China, known as the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, and their commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
After returning to Iran, President Pezeshkian described his trip as an opportunity to engage with SCO leaders. He opposed multilateral cooperation, unilateral cooperation, and highlighted discussions to promote global governance based on the justice and respect of sovereignty of all nations, and to lay the foundations for broader technical, economic and cultural cooperation.
XI announces GGI for global unity
President Xi Jinping will hold a meeting with the “Shanghai Cooperative Organization” and will give a speech on September 1, 2025, titled “Pooling the strength of Shanghai Cooperative Organizations to improve global governance” in Tianjin, northern China (Photo/Xinhua)
President XI proposed a meeting held in Tianjin with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (GGI) on September 1st to address new global challenges and uncertainties, support the principles of peaceful coexistence and two-way cooperation, and cooperate with all countries, working towards a fair and equitable global governance system and a shared future for humanity.
During his speech, Xi emphasized five principles of GGI. It focuses on adhering to sovereign equality, defending the international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating for people-centered approaches, and taking actual action.
This initiative is consistent with exploiting political and economic opportunities from Pezeschkian’s visit to China.
Iran and China will be linked via GGI
Sovereign Equality: Ayatollah Khamenei, with a focus on the pursuit of Iran-China cooperation, reflects the principle of sovereign equality and emphasizes mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs. President Pezeshkian’s trip strengthened this equal partnership and demonstrated Iran’s dignity and independent decision-making in international relations.
Rules of International Law: The strengthening of Iran-China ties, highlighted by both Ayatollah Khamenei and Pezeshkian, is consistent with compliance with international law and norms. Their interaction highlighted the importance of stability and predictability in bilateral relations and global engagement, including legal frameworks in trade, diplomacy and security.
Practice of Multilateralism: Ayatollah Khamenei’s call for multilateral cooperation finds practical expression through the growing involvement of Iran in platforms like SCO. Meetings with other SCO leaders at Pezeshkian, together with China and other partners, demonstrate Iran’s commitment to collective problem solving and regional integration.
People-centered approach: Both Iranian leaders and President Peshshkian spent time, once again emphasizing that development should benefit people. This includes joint Iran-China initiatives in economic cooperation, as well as infrastructure development such as energy, transportation, industrial projects and social programs. It aims to improve healthcare, education, and overall living standards, ensuring that bilateral initiatives provide concrete benefits to citizens.
Take Real Action: The emphasis on exploiting Iran’s political and economic opportunities in China reflects GGI’s focus on practical outcomes. Ayatollah Khamenei and Pezeshkian emphasized implementing concrete initiatives to deepen trade, investment and diplomatic collaboration, and converting discussions into measurable results.
The Global Governance Initiative marks the fourth major global initiative proposed by President XI in recent years, following the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). While GDI focused on GSI on economic development, international security, and cultural cooperation, GGI aims to reform and improve the global governance system, promote justice and equity, and guide multilateral cooperation for a shared future for humanity.