Minister Derides Claims on Iran-China Cooperation
IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK
TEHRAN – Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Mohammad Eslami said that under the 25-year cooperation deal between Iran and China, Chinese companies are not a priority in the country’s projects.
He said that I’m surprised that some who have not read the text of the contract analyze it without knowing the details.
“The 25-year contract is a strategic document, not an executive one.”
Iranian minister added “It is a document that sets out the two countries’ strategies for developing long-term cooperation.”
Referring to the news that has been published, Eslami said “Let the negotiations on this document come to an end and after its final definition, we can talk about it.”
Asked whether the transfer of Chinese passengers during the coronavirus outbreak was part of Iran-China contract with Mahan Airlines, he confirmed “None of these claims are true.”
Iranian Ambassador to China Mohammad Keshavarzzadeh also said that claims like ceding some islands to China or deploying Chinese military forces in Iran in the framework of Iran-China cooperation are “ridiculous and somehow negative propaganda
Iran-China comprehensive cooperation plan is in fact a roadmap for Tehran and Beijing; he said, adding that it is a kind of MoU for developing mutual cooperation.
China has the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world and a developing economy which has 15% of the world economy, so all major countries are interested in promoting their ties with China, he said.
Meanwhile Eslami stated that Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar is considered an important port since it is connected to the Indian Ocean.
On the importance of Zahedan to Chabahar railway project, he said that not only it is considered as north to the south corridor but also it connects Iran to Europe, Central Asia, and China.
“We try to develop Shahid Beheshti port, especially from the west part by having access to sources and prepare them for export markets”, Eslami added.
“This is a faster and cheaper way of transit, compared to shipping,” he highlighted.
Eslami continued, “Zahedan to Chabahar railway beside its positive effects in the region helps us to facilitate transit.”
