Beijing's regard for Tehran as a trustworthy political and economic partner helps boost the prospects of their already close relations, the Chinese foreign minister said on Tuesday.
"China's complete trust in Iran in bilateral political and economic relations guarantees a prosperous future for ties," Wang Yi said in a press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Beijing.
Describing the Islamic Republic's role in addressing regional crises as "fundamental and very constructive and effective", Wang reiterated that Iran has an indispensable role in efforts to help resolve conflicts in the region.
"Iran is a big country and major player in the Middle East and we are confident that without Iran's involvement, it would be impossible to settle regional problems."
Highlighting the long history of close cooperation, the top Chinese diplomat vowed that his country would stand by Iran as it did during years of sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program.
“China has proved to be a trustworthy partner for Iran at times of difficulty and will stick by it today as well,” he was quoted by IRNA as saying.
Pointing to the July nuclear deal between Iran and major powers, including China, he said, “Certainly, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action [as the accord is officially referred to] will affect the Middle East’s political landscape.”
With an end to sanctions in prospect after the deal takes effect in a few months, in exchange for time-bound limits on Tehran’s nuclear program, overseas firms are already jockeying to gain a foothold in the untapped Iranian market which has a lot to offer in business and investment.
Complementary Economies
Noting that “China and Iran have complementary economies,” Zarif said, “Given that Chinese businesses remained active in Iran during sanctions years, they have a considerable advantage over their rivals” for business in Iran.
He denounced the “unconstructive” approach to the pact by American critics, lamenting, “Some in the United States as well as the region, particularly the Zionist regime, are seeking to advance their interests by creating tension and strife.”
He expressed hope that all parties involved would ultimately accede to the international community’s demand that important global issues are to be resolved through peaceful means.
