China remains committed to supporting Venezuela in safeguarding its national sovereignty and contributing to its economic and social development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil in New York City on the sidelines of the UN Summit of the Future.
The Chinese foreign minister extended President Xi Jinping's warm greetings to Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and congratulations on his re-election.
Wang said he believes that under the leadership of President Maduro, the Venezuelan people will work in solidarity to overcome challenges and make new accomplishments in the cause of national development.
Noting that China and Venezuela are good friends and partners, he said no matter how the international landscape evolves, China will, as always, support Venezuela in safeguarding its national sovereignty and defending its national dignity and aid its economic and social development.
During President Maduro's state visit to China last September, the two presidents announced the elevation of the China-Venezuela relationship to an all-weather strategic partnership, marking a milestone in bilateral ties and heralding a broader development prospect for the relationship, Wang said.
The two sides should consolidate and develop well the all-weather friendship, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and translate the important consensus reached between the two heads of state into concrete actions, he stressed.
Gil also conveyed President Maduro's sincere greetings to President Xi.
Following the elevation of bilateral relations to an all-weather strategic partnership in 2023, the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year, Gil said, stressing that the Venezuela-China relationship is now at its best in history.
As China's most reliable and firm strategic partner, Venezuela is committed to pursuing new and greater progress in bilateral relations to deliver more benefits to people of both countries, he said.
China to continue supporting Venezuela’s economic, social development: FM
China to continue supporting Venezuela’s economic, social development: FM
China to continue supporting Venezuela’s economic, social development: FM
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
