The first meeting of the Iran-China Think Tank Dialogue Forum was held in Tehran on Saturday.
Held at the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, the forum was attended by IPIS Head Mohammad Hassan Sheikholeslami, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Baqeri, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mahdi Safari, and a number of researchers from Chinese think tanks.
Describing Iran and China as two great civilizations, Sheikholeslami said the two nations have played a very important role in the development and promotion of science and knowledge throughout history. He noted that based on this historical background, Iran and China have always had positive and constructive relations regarding key regional and international issues.
The Iranian deputy foreign minister for economic diplomacy also took the podium to hail the historical ties between Tehran and Beijing. Safari said 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.
He also noted that the presence of Iran and China in organizations such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) can pave the way for deepening cooperation in other areas.
Elsewhere in the meeting, Baqeri said the Iranian and Chinese officials are determined to expand bilateral relations in all fields.
Explaining the three key words of wisdom, dignity and expediency in the foreign policy of Iran, Baqeri underlined that these three concepts are the basis for strengthening cooperation with China.
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, he added.
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.
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.
