TEHRAN – Iran and China have agreed to establish joint commissions to enhance economic, security, political, and cultural cooperation and operationalize the existing agreements, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced upon returning to Tehran from a three-day visit to the UN headquarters in New York. 

The President met with various officials during his time in the United States – where he delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly – including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 

His engagements with Wang Yi were particularly important, as they led to the decision to establish dedicated working groups to ensure swift progress on the 25-year cooperation agreement signed in 2021. “This is an important collaboration,” Pezeshkian told reporters at Mehrabad airport. “It will bolster Iran’s economic landscape and foster deep ties with one of its allies.” 

In addition to discussions with Chinese officials, Pezeshkian engaged in meetings with leaders from several European nations and the President of the European Council. In those meetings, he addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning Israeli actions and stressing that the resolution lies primarily with the United States. “[I said that] the indiscriminate violence against civilians and the fact that such atrocities occur without accountability is incomprehensible,” Pezeshkian noted. 

The Iranian President also pointed out that while world leaders expressed sympathy for the victims, mere words are insufficient to resolve the underlying issues. He noted a stark contrast in global reactions to conflicts involving independent nations versus those affecting larger geopolitical powers.

During his time in New York, Pezeshkian engaged in fruitful discussions about mutual interests with neighboring countries and other global partners. He stated that these interactions were crucial for addressing various challenges, including those related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Furthermore, Pezeshkian met with members of the Iranian diaspora in the U.S., aiming to counteract negative portrayals of Iran in Western media and address the concerns of Iranians living abroad. He expressed hope that these dialogues would pave the way for improved relations and facilitate travel back to Iran for expatriates.
“I hope that the agreements reached during this trip will not only enhance Iran's international standing but also promote messages of peace, justice, and humanity globally,” he said to reporters.