AhlulBayt News Agency - Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, met Saturday afternoon with Xi Jinping, the President of the People’s Republic of China, and his accompanying delegation. President Rouhani was also present at the meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, His Eminence referred to the long and ancient history of commercial and cultural relations between the two peoples of Iran and China, reiterating: “The government and people of Iran have always looked and are still looking for expanding relations with independent and trustworthy countries like China and on this basis, the agreement between the presidents of Iran and China for the establishment of a 25-year strategic relation is completely correct and wise.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the statements of the President of the People’s Republic of China about the necessity to revive the silk road and to develop relations among the countries located on this route as a completely reasonable and acceptable idea, further saying: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will never forget China’s cooperation during the time of sanctions.”
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to energy as one of the most important issues of today’s world and stated: “Iran is the only independent country in the region that can be trusted in the area of energy because unlike many regional countries, the energy policy of Iran is not influenced by any non-Iranian factor.”
His Eminence pointed to the imperialist polices of some countries – America in particular – and their insincere cooperation with other countries, adding: “This situation has caused independent countries to pursue more cooperation with one another. The agreement between Iran and China for developing a 25-year strategic relation is within this framework. With the serious follow-up by both sides, agreements will definitely pass through the stage of implementation.”
He referred to the Iranian culture’s inclination and outlook towards the east, saying: “Westerners have never been able to win the Iranian nation’s trust.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that American policies towards Iran are worse and more hostile than those of other western countries. He added: “These hostile policies have caused the people of Iran and the officials of our country to look for developing relations with independent countries.” Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the issue of a single China is one of the fundamental and definite policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
He reiterated: “Unfortunately, our region has become insecure because of the wrong policies of westerners and also because of a deviant and wrong interpretation of Islam. There is a danger that this will be expanded and developed and therefore, it should be prevented with intelligent cooperation.”
His Eminence considered some regional countries as the main origin of this deviant thought, reiterating: “Instead of confronting the main origin of this thought and instead of confronting terrorist groups, westerners have attacked and pressured Muslims in Europe and in America. This is while these terrorist orientations are completely different from correct Islamic thinking.”
He stressed that the Americans and westerners insist on using the term “Islamic state” for some terrorist groups and added: “This outlook is an insult to Muslims and it will indirectly prepare the ground for strengthening these groups rather than solving the problem.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the American claim – the so-called formation of “the coalition to fight against terrorism” – as a deception, stating: “The Americans have the same outlook on all issues and they never behave in a sincere manner.”
At the end of his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed hope that the outcome of Tehran negotiations and agreements will be to the advantage of both sides in the real sense of the word.
Xi Jinping also expressed elation at travelling to Iran and thanked the government and people of Iran for their friendly and genuine feelings. He stated that this cordial behavior results from friendly and long cooperation and exchanges between the two countries, further saying: “The mutual cooperation between Iran and China should increase – day by day – on the basis of mutual interests.”
Pointing to the history of Iran and China’s connection with each other through the ancient silk road, he described this road as a symbol of peace, progress and friendly exchanges, adding: “By increasing their cooperation, the countries who are located on this route can defend their interests and achieve their goals in the face of the American model for disturbing the balance of the regional economy.”
He said: “Some superpowers are trying to create a monopoly and to impose the law of the jungle where “[Y]ou are either with us or with our enemy” play a dominant role, but the progress of emerging economies has taken away the monopoly of power from their hands and it has created a suitable environment for the ideas and policies of independent governments.”
The President of the People’s Republic of China mentioned that his country’s support of the nuclear issue of Iran and Iran’s support of a united and single China is an example of mutual trust and of the independent policies of the two countries, further adding: “After the lifting of sanctions too, we should increase our cooperation in all areas.”
Xi Jinping pointed to the numerous privileges that Iran enjoys in terms of geography, manpower and energy, saying: “Iran and China’s economy complement each other. On this trip, we have reached an agreement about formulating a plan for a 25-year strategic cooperation and we are ready to increase and deepen our cooperation in cultural, educational, technological, military and security areas as strategic partners.”
He stated that in the face of terrorism and the complex issues of the region, it is necessary to find a way to increase cooperation between the two countries in the area of security.
The President of the People’s Republic of China described the Leader’s statements as wise and insightful, adding: “The government and people of China have a friendly and amicable attitude towards you and we hope that you will help the two countries develop their relations as you have done in the past.”
