TEHRAN- On Friday, Cong Peiwu, the ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Tehran, announced the upcoming departure of a high-level Chinese delegation to Iran for the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian. 

In a meeting with the head of the Iran-China Friendship Association, Cong highlighted the extensive relations between the two nations, stating, “The delegation will deliver an important message to Pezeshkian.”

The presidential inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30, and will feature official representatives from neighboring countries, including the Prime Minister of Pakistan and senior officials from Iraq, alongside the Chinese delegation.

Cong Peiwu also discussed the trilateral cooperation among Iran, China, and Russia within the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. He remarked, “This trilateral cooperation is valuable and effective in strengthening relations among our three countries.”

Additionally, the ambassador referenced the recent inauguration of a two-way railway connecting Iran and China, saying, “This railway is a new corridor for the exchange of goods between the two countries, and we will witness more cooperation in commercial fields in the future.”

The railway traverses China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan before reaching Iran via the Sarakhs border. It will facilitate high-speed trains, significantly reducing transit times for goods compared to the slower maritime route that has been used previously.

Cong emphasized China's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Iran, noting, “Both the Chinese government and the leaders have a firm commitment to developing bilateral relations with Iran. In the congratulatory message from President Xi Jinping to Masoud Pezeshkian, it is clearly stated that China aims to deepen the strategic partnership and cooperation with Iran’s assistance. This message goes beyond mere formality.”

Alaeddin Borujerdi, head of the Iran-China Friendship Association and a member of Iran’s Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, underscored Iran's focus on its relationship with China through its Look East policy. He asserted, “I believe that the center of power in West Asia is the Islamic Republic of Iran, and in East Asia, it is the People's Republic of China.”

Borujerdi also addressed the challenges posed by U.S. demands and Iran's resilience against economic sanctions, suggesting a shared stance between Iran and China against American policies. He stated, “Washington seeks to hinder China’s economic progress,” while praising Beijing’s approach to strengthening ties with Iran as “smart.”

Both officials emphasized Iran's territorial integrity, particularly concerning the Islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa in the Persian Gulf.