Brics summit: China’s President Xi commits to deeper cooperation with Iran amid Mideast conflict
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“Regardless of changes in the international and regional situation, China will unwaveringly develop cooperation with Iran,” Xi told Pezeshkian on the sidelines of a Brics summit in Russia’s southwestern Kazan.
“China supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and dignity, steadily advancing its economic and social development, and improving and deepening its good neighbourly relations with neighbouring countries,” China’s foreign ministry quoted Xi as saying.
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Pezeshkian reciprocated, saying Tehran was willing to promote deeper cooperation with China in crucial economic sectors, such as infrastructure and clean energy, according to the ministry.
He also vowed to “stand firmly with China” in support of each other on core interests “to oppose global hegemony and bullying” – a clear reference to the United States.
Xi and Pezeshkian are among the more than 20 leaders in Kazan for the gathering of the bloc, which includes early members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has been invited to join the group but not done so yet.
The Iranian president’s visit to Russia and an in-person meeting with his Chinese counterpart are his first since being sworn into office in July.
