Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Monday accused Israel and the United States of fueling instability in Syria, reaffirming Iran's steadfast support for the Syrian government. During his visit to Türkiye, Araghchi noted that, based on the information obtained by Iran, the terrorist groups operating in Syria are linked to both Israel and the United States. He asserted that the ongoing conflict in Syria is part of a broader plan by those two countries to destabilize the region.
As a neighboring country, he emphasized the urgent need to take swift and effective measures to prevent further instability in Syria. Iran, he declared, will continue to stand firmly by the Syrian government and its people.
At a press conference on the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressed the responsibility of Iran and other parties to mobilize the international community in the fight against terrorism. He condemned the U.S. for its military presence in Syria, calling it "illegal".
"We believe that terrorism and extremist groups have never posed a real threat to the United States. Ironically, the U.S. claims its presence in Syria is to combat these groups. But if that's true, why have terrorist and extremist groups proliferated in the region? The U.S. presence in Syria is an act of aggression and a violation of international law. It is clear that one of the reasons terrorism has taken root and continues to thrive in Syria over the past few years is the stationing of U.S. forces there," said Baghaei.
Baghaei emphasized that regional countries have reached a consensus that the spread of terrorism in Syria not only endangers Syria itself but also threatens the security and stability of the entire region. This shared concern, he noted, will prompt Syria's neighboring countries to intensify their efforts to combat terrorism.
Baghaei further pointed out that the recent resurgence of terrorist activities in Syria is no coincidence and is closely tied to Israel.
The spokesman noted that over the past year, Israel has intensified its attacks on Syria, weakening the country's military forces and infrastructure, thereby creating a breeding ground for terrorist groups.
He reiterated that Iran, at the invitation of the Syrian government, has long been providing assistance to Syria, including sending military advisors. This cooperation, he added, remains ongoing.
Iran will continue to engage in consultations with regional countries to address developments in Syria and prevent the spread of conflict and terrorism across the region, said the spokesman.
Iran blames US, Israel for Syria conflict, vows continued support for Assad government
South China's Nanning City, the permanent host city of the China-ASEAN Expo, has consolidated its position as a vital hub connecting China's 1.4 billion people with the 600 million of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Mayor Hou Gang said on Thursday.
At a thematic dialogue session of the Global Mayors Dialogue, which opened in Nanning, capital city of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Wednesday, Hou emphasized the city's strategic location, robust infrastructure, and innovative initiatives that enable Nanning to thrive as a center for trade, connectivity, and regional cooperation.
"Nanning's biggest advantage in opening up to the world is its proximity to ASEAN," said Hou who outlined how the city has achieved three types of connectivity with the cities from ASEAN member countries -- hard, soft, and emotional -- helping to strengthen the ties between China and the 10 ASEAN countries.
Regarding hard connectivity, Hou said that Nanning has established direct flights to 10 cities of ASEAN members, creating what has been dubbed a "four-hour air travel circle," allowing travelers and businesses to move quickly across the region, boosting tourism and economic exchanges.
"You could be enjoying Lao You Fen for breakfast in Nanning, sipping coffee in Hanoi by noon, and eating durian in Kuala Lumpur by the afternoon," Hou said, emphasizing the convenience and accessibility created by these connections.
In terms of soft connectivity, to improve trade efficiency, Nanning has developed one-stop platforms like the China-ASEAN Fruit Trading Center and other exhibition centers for industrial goods like white appliances, electric vehicles, and smartphones, said the mayor, adding that these innovations have streamlined the previously lengthy cross-border trade procedures.
Now, consumers in both China and ASEAN can easily browse, order, and receive goods through a more efficient process, boosting commerce in the region, the mayor said.
Beyond infrastructure and trade, Nanning has fostered emotional bonds with ASEAN countries through initiatives like cross-border medical aid. Hou shared a story to illustrate this: On December 25 last year, a Vietnamese patient was rushed to Nanning through the city's cross-border emergency rescue system. A complex surgery was performed overnight which took seven hours to finish, ultimately saving the patient's life.
"Stories like this show that when our hearts are connected, we only grow closer," said Hou.
As the gateway between China and ASEAN, Nanning has continued to expand its role as a vibrant and dynamic city. With its strategic location, innovative trade platforms, and commitment to fostering cooperation, Nanning is not only strengthening economic ties with the countries in the region, but also building emotional connections that bring the region closer together.
Nanning at heart of connectivity linking China and ASEAN markets: mayor
