Qalibaf appointed as Iran’s special representative for China’s affairs

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has been appointed as the country’s special representative for China’s affairs.

According to sources cited by Tasnim news agency, Qalibaf assumed the responsibility on Sunday following a proposal by President Masoud Pezeshkian and subsequent approval by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

“Given the nature of Qalibaf’s appointment, this responsibility differs in terms of the level of authority from previous representatives,” the sources said.

They explained that Iran’s current ambassador to Beijing, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, had previously served as the president’s representative for China affairs, while the late Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, had acted as “the Leader’s special representative for China affairs.”

“However, Mr. Qalibaf has assumed this responsibility as Iran’s special representative following the president’s proposal and the Leader’s approval,” the sources added.

China part of Iran’s political balancing strategy against Western pressure: Envoy

Iran’s ambassador to China says Beijing plays a key role in Iran’s political balancing strategy, as Tehran seeks to explain its position on security developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi paid a visit to China for high-level meetings, amid a shaky ceasefire between Iran and the United States that has largely lost its original purpose due to US interference with international commercial shipping.

Araghchi exchanged views with his Chinese counterpart on key issues, including the recent imposed war against Iran, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, developments in West Asia, the expansion of trade relations, and the broadening of international cooperation.

Rahmani Fazli, who currently serves as Iran’s ambassador to China, said recently that Beijing plays a key role in Tehran’s political balancing strategy and has worked to reduce tensions in West Asia following the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk