Iran Supports China’s Proposal for Joint Regional Security, Qalibaf Says

TEHRAN: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has expressed full support for China’s proposal to establish a joint security framework in the Middle East.

Qalibaf said China’s proposal for collective regional security was consistent with a principle that Iran has advocated for many years.

He stressed that countries in the region should take responsibility for their own future and work together to establish a new security structure based on the needs and realities of the region.

According to Qalibaf, lasting stability can only be achieved when regional countries develop security arrangements through cooperation rather than relying heavily on powers from outside the region.

Qalibaf said Iran has consistently encouraged neighbouring countries to reduce dependence on external powers and strengthen regional cooperation as the foundation of their security arrangements.

He described greater cooperation among regional states as an important path toward sustainable peace and stability.

The Iranian parliament speaker’s comments came after Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a new security architecture in the Middle East based on cooperation among countries of the region.

During talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Xi proposed a four-point strategy for establishing a new security framework in the Middle East.

The Chinese president called for a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security system for the region.

Xi also stressed that Middle Eastern countries should take greater ownership of their own affairs and work together to address security challenges.

Iran’s endorsement of the proposal reflects Tehran’s longstanding position that regional countries should play the leading role in determining security arrangements and resolving disputes.

The alignment between Beijing and Tehran on regional security could strengthen calls for a Middle Eastern security framework that places greater emphasis on regional cooperation and reduces reliance on external military powers.