Tehran – Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Satar Hashemi and China’s Minister of Industrial and Information Technology (MIIT) Li Lecheng explored the pathway for the development of technological ties between the two countries.
Authorities met in Beijing, China on Tuesday. Hashemi has visited China at the invitation of Li Lecheng, and Dolat.ir reports to further expand ICT ties with friendly countries along with technological diplomacy.
Both sides highlighted increased cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), development of industrial information and communications infrastructure, and personnel training.
Emphasizing the historic and friendly relations between Iran and China, Lee said Iran is one of Beijing’s key regional partners and called for it to support operational cooperation in the technical field.
The official praised China’s preparations to deepen ties with Iran under the 25-year strategic partnership, recognising Iran’s widespread capabilities in the information technology, artificial intelligence and communications infrastructure sectors.
“The expansion of technical cooperation will not only contribute to promoting the national interests of both countries, but will also play an effective role in fostering technological interactions in the region,” Chinese officials said.
For his turn, Hashemmi described China as Iran’s “strategic partner and ally.” He further emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations.
Officials proposed to strengthen the joint efforts by sharing expertise in the field of e-government and smart services, as well as professional talent for educational cooperation and training.
The ICT Minister will also give lectures on new technologies at Beihang University, one of China’s largest universities, belonging to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
*****Strengthening AI cooperatives essential for the future: China’s envoy
On May 11, Iran’s Chinese Ambassador Compey emphasized the need to increase cooperation in advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, calling it essential for the future.
Praise Iran’s advances in the information and communications technology sector, Peiwu highlighted the expansion of collaboration despite challenges and external forces, the IRNA reported.
Officials made the remarks in Tehran on Saturday during a meeting with Information and Communications Technology Minister Satta Hashemi.
Hashemi says that both countries have high capabilities in the AI field and can base themselves on future collaborations. He also emphasized the importance of fully utilizing collaborative capabilities to achieve the established goals of strategic partnerships.
The implementation of contracts reached previously in the ICT sector, and the development of the bonds between digital economy, communications infrastructure, processing infrastructure, space systems, and data transits, were among other discussed issues.
The ICT Minister said he would follow up on the joint programme that visited China.
Iran and China formally signed the document in March 2021 for a comprehensive cooperation of 25 years.
The document was signed between then-Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Foreign Minister Wang Yii of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
In December 2022, Iran and China confirmed 16 memorandums of understanding under the framework of both countries’ strategic 25-year contracts.
Iran has pledged to cultivate regional AI cooperation
The combination of talent, data and innovation allows Iran to become a key player in the local artificial intelligence (AI) value chain, fostering meaningful collaboration and development. Iran is committed to promoting regional cooperation and building a future in which AI promotes prosperity and unity, Hasemi said in February.
Emphasizing that Iran is a key stakeholder of the region’s digital landscape, Hasemi said Iran is a major player in AI in the Persian Gulf and is ready to begin cooperation with the regional state on the issue.
Officials made their remarks while working on the Iranian Corridor 2025 conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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