by Xinhua writers Gao Wencheng, Wang Shoubao
TEHRAN, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Standing at a new historical starting point, China and Iran will open a new chapter in their friendship, Chinese ambassador to Iran Chang Hua said Sunday on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In a written interview with Xinhua, Chang said over the past five decades, China and Iran, two ancient civilizations that enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges, have continuously enhanced bilateral cooperation and strengthened their traditional friendship.
Noting that the two countries announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership in January 2016, the Chinese ambassador said high-level officials from the two sides have since engaged in-depth discussions on multiple occasions related to bolstering China-Iran relations.
On the political front, mutual trust between the two countries has been enhanced, Chang said, adding that China and Iran firmly support each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, which has effectively consolidated the strategic trust between the two countries and steadfastly defended international equity and justice.
Meanwhile, Chang said the two economies are highly complementary, and pragmatic cooperation has led to fruitful outcomes.
China has been Iran's largest trading partner for years, and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative continues to progress.
In addition, exchanges between China and Iran in culture, education, media, publications, and tourism have expanded over the past 50 years, with increased mutual understanding between the two peoples, Chang said.
Earlier this month, Ebrahim Raisi was sworn in as the new president of Iran after an electoral victory in June. In his first press conference after the election, Raisi said there is "a lot of potential" for further development of Iran-China ties, vowing that his administration will "definitely" work to develop that potential.
The Chinese embassy in Iran has carried out a series of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, while taking preventive measures against COVID-19.
According to Chang, the Chinese embassy collected short videos telling stories about the China-Iran friendship, part of which were shown on social media platforms. Additionally, the embassy and the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly organized an exhibition of historical documents on friendly exchanges.
This year, the Chinese TV series as "Together," a drama about China's fight against COVID-19, aired on Iranian TV, while many Iranian movies are shown in China.
Chang noted he has been impressed by the friendship between China and Iran during the pandemic, while lauding their cooperation in addressing the public health challenge.
"I believe that the beautiful tale of cooperation against the virus will lay a more solid foundation for the further development of bilateral relations," he added. Enditem
