TEHRAN – Cong Peiwu, the ambassador of China in Tehran, met with Ali Baqeri, the acting foreign minister of Iran, to discuss recent developments in bilateral relations and key issues in regional and international cooperation.

During the meeting, which occurred on Saturday, Baqeri Kani highlighted the extensive potential for cooperation between Iran and China, emphasizing the mutual determination of their leaders and governments to advance these relations.

Baqeri noted that enhancing Iran-China cooperation as two influential international players, particularly within multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, complements their growing bilateral ties.

He praised China's stance on the developments in Gaza and underscored the importance of strengthening consultations to immediately and unconditionally halt the crimes and genocide by the Zionist regime.

The Chinese ambassador provided a report on the third session of the 20th Standing Committee of the Central Party in China and the recent meeting of 14 Palestinian groups in Beijing. He highlighted the mutual political trust between China and Iran as a solid foundation for cooperation and reiterated China's commitment to implementing the comprehensive cooperation program between the two nations.

Cong Peiwu also conveyed a congratulatory message from the President of China to Masoud Pezeshkian, the newly elected President of Iran, emphasizing China's dedication to pursuing bilateral agreements and advancing multilateral cooperation. He added that a high-ranking Chinese delegation will attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran's President.

Iran condemns Germany's closure of Islamic centers

Iran’s acting foreign minister also condemned Germany's decision to shut down the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) and its subsidiary organizations, describing it as a move to serve Israeli interests.

In a phone call with German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock on Saturday, Baqeri Kani criticized the German police's "illegal" actions against the Islamic centers, stating that it contradicts human rights principles.

"The closure of Islamic centers in Germany is a completely political action in line with Islamophobia and serves the interests of the Zionist regime. The German government must accept its consequences," he said.

Germany’s interior ministry announced on Wednesday the ban on the Hamburg Islamic Centre and its affiliated organizations, labeling them as Islamist extremist groups pursuing anti-constitutional objectives. 

Dozens of German police forces raided the Blue Mosque in Hamburg early on Wednesday morning. The mosque, located in a central upmarket area on the shore of the northern German city's Outer Alster Lake, is run by the Islamic Centre Hamburg.

The center is accused of supporting Lebanon’s Hezbollah and promoting "aggressive anti-Semitism" and "authoritarian, theocratic rule."

As part of the ban, the ministry will also close four Shia mosques, including Hamburg’s Blue Mosque, one of Germany’s oldest mosques.

In response, the German foreign minister stated that Islamic centers in Germany can pursue their rights through legal mechanisms. Baerbock stressed the importance of resolving differences through dialogue and diplomatic channels.

Baqeri Kani, in a post on his X account, criticized the German authorities' decision, calling it an unjustified move that violates the principles of freedom of religion and thought. He added that the measure benefits extremists, violence-mongers, and advocates of terrorism.