The latest China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Geneva marks a significant step forward for international trade, director-general of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said on Sunday.
Okonjo-Iweala said in a statement that she was pleased with the positive outcome of the talks.
Amid current global tensions, such progress is important not only for the United States and China but also for the rest of the world, including the most vulnerable economies, she said.
In an earlier interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Okonjo-Iweala said that as the world is facing rising fragmentation and uncertainty, economies should keep sober and careful in decision making.
"It's been a challenging few years for world trade. We've seen protectionism on the rise, various measures being used by different countries. We need to be very careful that trade policy uncertainty and fragmentation do not impact the world in an adverse way. Let us not to rush to take action and counter action. So, let's keep steady. Let's keep everyone deliberate. Let's chill," she said.
Over the weekend, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, held a high-level meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Geneva.
According to a joint statement released after the meeting, both China and the U.S. commit to remove 91 percent tariffs and suspend 24 percent tariffs for 90 days while retaining the remaining 10 percent tariffs. On this basis, the two sides will continue to negotiate on economic and trade relations.
WTO chief says China-US economic, trade meeting marks significant step forward
WTO chief says China-US economic, trade meeting marks significant step forward
WTO chief says China-US economic, trade meeting marks significant step forward
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
