[87411] Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf promotes tightening economic ties between Iran and China

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf promotes tightening economic ties between Iran and China

In a series of meetings held on June 17, 2026, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and Special Representative for China affairs, emphasized the urgent need for the Islamic Republic to move from a "confrontation" status quo to focusing on economic development. In his remarks to members of the Chamber of Commerce, Ghalibaf declared that the political echelon must "take the front line from the hands of the fighters at the launchers" and act to remove the economic pressure on citizens, according to a report by the Vahid Online channel.

During the meeting, which received extensive coverage in media outlets identified with the Iranian establishment such as IRNA News Agency and the IRGC News Channel, Ghalibaf clarified that Iran is not interested in being only a "customer or commercial partner" of Beijing, but a "partner in the full sense of the word." He added that in any regional bloc that will arise around the countries bordering the Persian Gulf, "the central axis will undoubtedly be China and Iran," as noted in Akharin Khabar.

The purpose of the meeting with the Chamber of Commerce was to promote sustainable economic cooperation and integration into the "Belt and Road" initiative. According to IRNA News Agency, private sector representatives raised over 30 concrete proposals, including the establishment of joint free trade zones, the development of logistics cities, and leveraging the Chabahar port as a hub for Iranian exports to China.

Ghalibaf, who also serves as head of the negotiating team with the West, emphasized his commitment to operational steps and stated that he acts as a "facilitator" for the private sector, pledging to make decisive decisions to promote these projects, as reported by SNN.ir.