In a significant step towards strengthening ties, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani on Monday during the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that China-Iran relations are at a critical stage. He expressed China’s readiness to deepen coordination and cooperation with Iran in regional and international affairs.
“China is willing to work with Iran to view bilateral relations from a strategic perspective,” Wang stated. “We aim to boost cooperation across the board and comprehensively deepen coordination in regional and international affairs, contributing to regional and global peace and stability.”
This meeting marked Iran’s first participation in the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting as a full member. Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS group recently welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as new members, with their membership taking effect on January 1, 2024.
Wang Yi welcomed Iran’s inclusion, stating that China is prepared to strengthen strategic coordination with Iran within the BRICS framework. “We aim to give full play to the important role of the BRICS mechanism in reforming and improving global governance, enhancing the influence and voice of the Global South, and promoting the development of the international order in a more just and rational direction,” he said.
Ali Bagheri Kani echoed these sentiments, highlighting the mutual benefits of enhanced cooperation. “Given the current international situation, the development of Iran-China relations will not only benefit our peoples but also contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world,” he said. “It will aid in building a more equitable and reasonable international order and safeguard the legitimate rights of developing countries.”
The meeting underscores the growing importance of partnerships within the Global South and the BRICS bloc’s role in shaping a multipolar world order. As China and Iran deepen their ties, their cooperation is poised to influence regional dynamics and global governance structures.
Reference(s):
Wang Yi says China-Iran ties at critical stage, urges coordination
cgtn.com
