TEHRAN, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's development during the past 75 years after the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) is a "marvelous success," a senior Iranian lawmaker has said.
"The upward slope of the trajectory of China's development, success and long steps over the past 75 years is so steep that it resembles a vertical bar," Alaeddin Boroujerdi, also chairperson of the Iran-China Friendship Association, told Xinhua in a recent interview before heading to Beijing for the 15th Annual Conference of China and Iran Friendship Associations.
Noting that China's GDP has grown nearly 60-fold in the past four decades, Boroujerdi expressed optimism about the continued progress and well-being of the Chinese government and its people.
"This is a unique leap-like transformation especially as the Chinese government needs to manage a population of over 1 billion while working to accelerate the country's development," he said.
As for bilateral ties, Boroujerdi said Iran and China have enjoyed long-standing good relations dating back to the ancient Silk Road.
Since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, bilateral relations have grown steadily, said Boroujerdi, calling for concerted efforts from both sides to further strengthen their ties.
Boroujerdi pointed out that the Iran-China Friendship Association and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) serve as bridges of friendship between the two peoples.
Recalling the 14th annual conference held in Tehran in November 2023, he said that agreements were reached during the meeting, and his upcoming trip to China was in response to an invitation from CPAFFC Chair Yang Wanming.
Boroujerdi added that the Iran-China Friendship Association is committed to facilitating sub-national exchanges such as sister cities and exploring new areas for cooperation, like artificial intelligence, high-speed railway, electric vehicles, and agricultural technology transfer.
In the future, the association aims to boost tourism, foster scientific and technological collaborations, and promote academic and student exchanges between the two countries, the chairperson said. ■
