Iran’s role in New Silk Road inevitable

Beijing, Sept 4, IRNA – Zhang Jun, China’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs commented on Iran’s role in the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, saying no country can ignore Iran’s part in the New Silk Road plan. In an interview with IRNA on Tuesday, Zhang Jun said the ancient Silk Road and the New ‘One […]

Beijing, Sept 4, IRNA – Zhang Jun, China’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs commented on Iran’s role in the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, saying no country can ignore Iran’s part in the New Silk Road plan.

In an interview with IRNA on Tuesday, Zhang Jun said the ancient Silk Road and the New ‘One Belt, One Road’ is a path full of opportunities and Iran is at the strategic crossroads along this path.

He added Iran and China have been cooperating in the Silk Road for a long time, and the new initiative has opened a new chapter in Iran-China cooperation. China has excellent, healthy, broad, and stable relations with Iran, especially in the economic arena, and Beijing plans to enhance its ties with Tehran.

He noted China’s relationship with the world including parts of the Middle East, the West and Europe and stated Iran acts as a facilitator in China’s ties with other countries.

The ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, also known as ‘One Belt- One Road’ initiative, which will reshape global trade was proposed by the Chinese government in 2013 and the estimated completion time is 2049.

This massive project aims to link China to dozens of other economies through Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania.