The Iran-China think Tank Dialogue Forum held its first session in Tehran. The inauguration ceremony happened on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the presence of Mohammad Hassan Sheikholeslami, Head of the IPIS, Ali Bagheri, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs and Mahdi Safari, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy, and a number of heads and researchers from Chinese think tanks.
In the meeting, Sheikholeslami referred to the holding of the first think tank meeting between Iran and China. He described Iran and China as two great civilizations, saying they have played a very important role in the development and promotion of science and knowledge throughout history. Sheikholeslami noted that based on this historical background, Iran and China have always had positive and constructive relations regarding key regional and international issues.
He added that protecting and continuing the good relations between the two countries in different spheres requires a purposeful, constructive and serious dialogue between the thinkers and researchers of the two countries based on global realities.
Then, the Iranian deputy foreign minister for economic diplomat spoke about historical ties between Tehran and Beijing, saying the recent visits by the officials of Iran and China to the two countries have opened a new chapter in bilateral ties, especially in economic relations. Safari noted that the presence of Iran and China in such organizations as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) can pave the way for deepening cooperation in other areas.
He said China is the first trade partner of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and these relations are expanding more and more, but the possibilities of the two countries to strengthen relations, especially in economic fields, are far beyond the existing levels.
Therefore, Safari added, both sides should do their best to realize those possibilities.
Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Bagheri said at the meeting that the Iranian and Chinese officials are determined to expand bilateral relations in all fields. While explaining the three key words of wisdom, dignity and expediency in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Bagheri underlined that these three concepts are the basis for strengthening cooperation with China.
The Iranian deputy foreign minister for political affairs added that wisdom, as an underlying concept of the Iranian foreign policy, builds on justice, which means activism based on possibilities and benefiting from rights.
According to Bagheri, this is at odds with the US unilateralism, because from Washington’s point of view, only the interests of the country are the criteria of the legitimacy of international relations. He added that therefore, strengthening cooperation between Iran and China in non-western international organizations such as BRICS and the SCO can bolster ties between Tehran and Beijing in various fields.
Also, Li Wentang, Vice President of the Central University of the Communist Party of China, underlined the importance of China and Iran in Asia, saying Tehran and Beijing have enjoyed good relations in various spheres for a long time and these ties are continuing.
He underscored that the world is changing fundamentally and under such circumstances, Iran and China should boost their cooperation in bilateral, regional and international areas to face the new conditions.
The first Think Tank Dialogue Forum between Iran and China is been held on December 23 and 24, 2023, with the evolving world order, the latest developments and dynamics of the West Asia region and the Persian Gulf, bilateral relations between Iran and China in different fields and cultural as well as technological exchanges at different levels being on the agenda of discussions.A total of 25 senior directors and researchers from important Chinese think tanks are attending the event.
