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Zhuang Pinghui

Teddy Ng

Iran’s ambassador to China has called on Beijing to step up its role in the Middle East as the two nations look to establish a strategic partnership during President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) trip to the region this week.
Xi’s trip, which comes amid rising fears over regional terrorism and increasing tensions between Tehran and Riyadh, would focus mainly on economic cooperation, Ali Asghar Khaji said.
Beijing would seek to promote its One Belt, One Road initiatives, while Tehran would look to sign related agreements and a free-trade deal, he said.
Xi’s trip, which starts tomorrow and will see him visit Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt, is his first overseas tour this year.
It comes as Beijing positions itself as a key player in major international affairs in a bid for diplomatic clout to match its economic power.
READ MORE - Is Xi Jinping the man to defuse tensions in the Middle East? Landmark visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia revealed
The trip will be under close scrutiny given Riyadh’s severance of diplomatic relations with Tehran following the storming of its embassy by protesters angry at Saudi Arabia’s execution of a prominent Shiite Muslim cleric.
“Iran has offered China a detailed explanation concerning the latest conditions facing Iran and Saudi Arabia,” Khaji said.
“Considering that any changes in the conditions facing the Middle East will have an impact on neighbouring nations and the whole world, we welcome nations including China to push forward solutions for the regional problems.
“We do not hope that the confrontations with Saudi Arabia will escalate.”
Beijing has maintained close ties with both Tehran and Riyadh, and recently sent envoy Zhang Ming to mediate between them, calling for restraint on both sides.
Last week, Beijing vowed to step up military and anti-terrorism cooperation with the Arab world in its first policy paper on the region.
READ MORE - The leading power: China to take charge in Iran’s nuclear plant revamp
It said China was ready to strengthen dialogue and intelligence sharing, and carry out technical cooperation and personnel training, to jointly address the threats from regional and international terrorism.
It promised to expand exchanges of military personnel, carry out joint military exercises and deepen cooperation on weapons, equipment and new technology.
“China has a crucial role in regional affairs,” Khaji said. “We welcome and anticipate China’s enhanced participation in regional affairs, especially in important [areas] such as terrorism.
“The outcome of this visit will not be limited to bilateral relations and will definitely benefit global relations.”
Iran is boosting oil production and exports after the sanctions on its nuclear programme were lifted on Saturday.
READ MORE - Iran backs pipeline to China under ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative: ambassador
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi (王毅) said that the lifting of sanctions was a “solid step” on the way to a final political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.
He urged all parties to implement the deal and “enhance mutual trust”.
The two nations would also discuss infrastructure cooperation and energy trade, Khaji said, adding that Iran welcomed Chinese companies to participate in its natural gas projects.
Khaji said Iran had set up an inter-departmental commission for the One Belt, One Road development strategy, which included representatives from government departments and the business sector. A related agreement would be signed during Xi’s trip, he said.
Bilateral trade between Iran and China reached US$52 billion in 2014, and a memorandum of understanding concerning the setting up of a free-trade zone might be signed, Khaji said, adding that a currency swap agreement was also on the agenda.
“Iran and China do not have any principle differences concerning a currency swap,” he said.


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Xi Jinping

‘Solutions welcome’: Tehran sees bigger role for China in Middle East

No Caption Available.

Iran’s Ambassador to China Ali Asghar Khaji speaks at a press conference at the embassy in Beijing on January 15. Photo: Simon Song

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‘Solutions welcome’: Tehran sees bigger role for China in Middle East

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.css-jfmysa{display:inline;word-break:break-word;}.css-1ankfgb{cursor:pointer;display:inline;word-break:break-word;}READ MORE - Is Xi Jinping the man to defuse tensions in the Middle East? Landmark visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia revealed

READ MORE - Is Xi Jinping the man to defuse tensions in the Middle East? Landmark visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia revealed