Iran's 12th parliament was inaugurated on Monday in the Iranian capital of Tehran.
During the inauguration ceremony, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the former chairman for the Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security of the parliament, was appointed the temporary speaker. The official speaker is set to be elected in the coming days.
Boroujerdi said in his speech that the new parliament will fully support the government in developing the country's economy, and he also expounded the diplomatic principles of the new parliament.
"Strengthening relations with other countries on the basis of mutual respect to protect Iran's national interests is the guiding principle of our foreign policy. Developing relations with neighboring countries should be given priority, while combating American hegemonism remains a fundamental principle of our foreign policy," Boroujerdi said in his speech.
Iran's acting President Mohammad Mokhber also addressed the country's new parliament. He praised late President Ebrahim Raisi's time in office, listing some of his achievements since taking office in August 2021. He emphasized that according to the instructions of Iran's Supreme Leader, despite the recent loss of important personnel in Iran, all the work of the country has not been delayed. The new Assembly of Experts and parliament have carried out all their work as scheduled, and national governance has not been affected or damaged.
The parliament's 290 newly-elected members were chosen through two rounds of elections held on March 1 and May 10. These members are set to serve a four-year term in the legislative body.
Iran’s new parliament convenes in Tehran
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
