Tehran: Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Iran’s Parliament, announced that President Masoud Pezeshkian’s upcoming trip to China will inaugurate a new phase in the development of relations between Tehran and Beijing. Pezeshkian is scheduled to attend the Heads of State Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the agenda for Pezeshkian’s visit includes attending the SCO summit, expediting the implementation of the 25-year cooperation agreement between Iran and China, and addressing the European troika’s recent decision to activate the ‘snapback mechanism’ against Iran. Boroujerdi emphasized the significant capacities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in various sectors such as economic, energy, trade, security-defense, and transit.
Since Iran’s full membership in the SCO in 2023, it has played a crucial role in fostering relationships with other member states, Boroujerdi noted. He described the SCO summit, which will take place on Sunday and Monday, as a historic opportunity for Iran. The lawmaker highlighted the 25-year cooperation agreement between Iran and China, underscoring the intention of both countries to expand their collaboration under this framework.
Boroujerdi criticized the recent decision by the E3-comprising the UK, Germany, and France-to trigger the snapback mechanism against Iran, pointing out that this move is opposed by China and Russia, permanent members of the UN Security Council. As the head of the Iran-China Friendship Group, Boroujerdi expressed hope that Pezeshkian’s visit to China might counteract the demands of the US and Israel, which have heightened tensions in the West Asia region.
The MP also mentioned the potential for Iran to purchase military equipment from China in response to possible threats from Israel. He highlighted China’s influence on global policy through its membership in the UN Security Council and its peace-oriented policies toward Iran.
Iran’s significant oil and gas reserves, strategic location as a transit hub, and its role in regional security and stability are acknowledged by all SCO members, particularly China, Boroujerdi said. President Pezeshkian departed for China on Sunday morning to attend the 25th Heads of State Council meeting of the SCO in Tianjin, with the summit continuing on Monday.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, established in 1996, is a Eurasian intergovernmental organization aimed at enhancing multilateral economic, security, and political cooperation, and balancing US and NATO influence in the region.