In a recent interview with China Central Television (CCTV) during his visit to Beijing, in attendance at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Group Summit, President Pezeshkian discussed Iran-China relations, regional development, and various aspects of important global issues. The president praised China’s President Xi Jinping’s vision of global governance.
Pezeshkian noted that the global governance initiative is a valuable perspective that is expected to be implemented in practice.
Looking back on his previous visit to China ten years ago, Pezeschkian described the important changes he observed, particularly in urban development and environmental improvement. He acknowledged the progress made in China’s political landscape towards promoting multilateralism.
The historical relations between Iran and China, dating back thousands of years, were also the focus of the debate. Pezeshkian referenced XI’s previous visit to Iran in 2016 to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. He emphasized that the strategic importance of Iran-China relations has only grown in light of rapid global change.
Pezeshkian reiterated the need to comply with agreements made during the international apex, arguing that effective implementation of these agreements is important to promote cooperation and mutual growth. He said that independent states must adhere to the framework established in Shanghai cooperation organizations and pave the way for them to distance themselves from unilateral distances.
The Iranian president also tackled the challenges posed by unilateral actions from a powerful country, particularly the United States. He criticized the double standards of international law, pointing to violations of the Israeli regime and lack of accountability from global authority. Pezeschkian emphasized that fair application of the law is essential to achieving global peace and security.
When discussing future economic cooperation between Iran and China, he highlighted the possibility of expanding partnerships beyond the traditional sector. He noted that China has been Iran’s largest trading partner for over a decade and offers opportunities for further cooperation in a variety of areas.
Pezeshkian also mentioned the recent resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which was promoted by China and was seen as a positive step towards regional stability. He expressed his hope that China will play a more important role in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.
The president reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear activities and said the country had no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons. He criticized the recent Western actions on the nuclear deal, claiming that Iran consistently adheres to its commitment, although others do not.
He further defended a world in which states respect each other’s sovereignty and work together towards shared goals. He emphasized that principles of justice, equality and mutual respect should guide international relations and enable a more harmonious global community.
According to Pezeshkian, Iran has never launched a conflict and is firmly insisting that it will not do so in the future. However, the country is determined in its commitment to protect itself violently against any attack. This belief underlines Iran’s stance that it will not surrender to power. This principle forms the basis of our approach to national identity and international relations, highlighting our commitment to sovereignty and dignity.
He also mentioned the ambitions and crimes of the Israeli regime, saying that the ambitions of the Israeli regime are made clear by its officials, pose a major threat to the stability of the region. The concept of creating a “great Israel” includes plans that could undermine the sovereignty of many regional countries. Iran views such a segment as a violation of international norms and calls for a unified, global response to counter such unilateral efforts.
The Iranian president emphasized the nation’s right to pursue peaceful scientific and technological advances as set out in international law, saying that no country denied access to the knowledge and resources necessary for peaceful development. All countries should have the freedom to use science and technology for growth, and any attempt to interfere with this right is deemed unfair in violation of the principles of global cooperation and respect for sovereignty.
MNA