The Chinese Mission to the European Union (EU) hosted a reception in Brussels, Belgium, to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU.
Nearly 1,000 people attended, including officials from EU institutions, the Belgian government, and representatives of various sectors in the country.
Ambassador Cai Run, head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, and Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs of the European External Action Service (EEAS), addressed the event, respectively.
The 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU is not only a milestone in the development of China-EU relations but also a new starting point, Cai said in his speech.
He emphasized that through the joint efforts of both sides, China-EU relations will surely open a new chapter for the next 50 years.
Skoog, in his speech, highlighted that in the context of current geopolitical changes, the EU is willing to deepen its partnership with China, strengthen communication and cooperation, jointly uphold multilateralism, and promote further development of China-EU relations.
"I think it's incredible -- the journey that both China and the European Union has done over the 50 years since we signed and established diplomatic relations. And I think looking forward, if we can have the same development that will create prosperity, and peace for our citizens, and a very close relationship between China and the European Union, I think it will be very good for our citizens, but it will also be very very good for the world," Skoog said in an interview with China Central Television.
At the reception, the attendees also watched a short film on the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations.
China hosts reception in Brussels to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties with EU
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
