By Yang Xun from People’s Daily
Iranian Ambassador to China Ali-Asghar Khaji called for a closer China-Iran cooperation on the “Belt and Road†initiative put forward by China in 2013, saying that Iran can play a unique role in the construction of the route.
Closely following China’s ongoing annual sessions of the National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Khaji said that he is glad to have a chance to attend the opening meeting of the two sessions, and get a close contact with China’s development and changes.
The “two sessions†held each year were followed by the whole world, and the subjects they are interested in include China’s 13th five year plan, the upcoming 19th National Congress of the CPC, as well as globalization and other internalized topics, said the diplomat, who has been in China for three years.
“I found the two sessions have significantly propelled China’s development,†he told the People’s Daily, adding that there are new highlights in each year’s meetings.
Praising the rapid development of China-Iran ties in recent years, Khaji said that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to his country in January 2016 is of historic significance.
During the visit, both sides agreed to uplift bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed 17 cooperation documents, the ambassador said, adding that the agreed documents are now being implemented.
He also called for a closer bilateral cooperation on energy, economy, trade, security and other sectors, saying that Iran’s abundant oil and natural gas reserves can satisfy China’s energy demands.
China has been Iran’s largest trading partner for years, and its competitive financial, trade and industry sectors have made irreplaceable contributions to Iran’s infrastructural construction, the ambassador underlined.
Believing the two countries share common interests in not a few sectors, the diplomat advised both countries to diversify their cooperation and bolster coordination in multilateralism, counter-terrorism and combat on crimes.
During Xi’s Iranian visit, both sides signed a Memorandum of understanding on building the “Belt and Roadâ€, he recalled, suggesting that Iran can play a unique role in the process due to its historic, economic and cultural bonds with China.
Dating back to history, Iran acted as a bridge linking China and the west world through the ancient Silk Road, he explained.
“Iran is willing to, together with China, align development strategies on the ‘Belt and Road’, and intensify cooperation on industrial capacity, infrastructural and connectivity within the framework,†Khaji vowed.
According to him, Iranian government has organized a commission to push forward the construction of the “Belt and Roadâ€, with its members covering government departments, private businesses and other economic entities.