Wang Yi in Iran for ‘Accelerating Development Cooperation’

March 26, 2021 (EIRNS)—Today China’s Foreign Minister and State Councillor Wang Yi had meetings in Iran on his six-nation tour of Southwest Asia over March 24-30. His scheduled meetings included with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and President Hassan Rouhani. The Chinese Foreign Ministry posted today the transcript of Wang’s exclusive interview with Al Arabiya this week, in which Wang speaks of China policy for the region. He said, “China wishes to propose a five-point initiative on achieving security and stability in the Middle East.”

In brief, the points are: 1) advocating mutual respect; 2) upholding equity and justice; 3) achieving non-proliferation; 4) jointly fostering collective security; and 5) accelerating development cooperation.

On the last point, Wang stated: “China has signed documents on Belt and Road cooperation with 19 Middle East countries and carried out distinctive collaboration with each of them. China is working with all regional countries in fighting COVID-19. It will deepen vaccine cooperation in light of the needs of regional countries and discuss with them trilateral vaccine cooperation with Africa. As it fosters a new development paradigm, China is ready to share with Middle East countries its market opportunities, work with Arab countries to actively prepare for the China-Arab states summit, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and expand new areas of growth such as high and new technologies. We also look forward to the early conclusion of a free trade agreement with the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council].”