Officials and experts from China and Central Asian countries gathered Friday in Astana, Kazakhstan to discuss governance, cultural exchanges and humanitarian cooperation.
More than 260 participants from China and five Central Asian countries -- Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan -- exchanged views on the common approaches to progressing modernization and deepening regional cooperation.
The senior officials and experts explored how to enhance cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, support each other in following development paths in line with their national conditions, promote the establishment of a fairer and more reasonable international order, and strengthen international cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Experts highlighted the importance of promoting humanitarian integration to facilitate cooperation in various other fields.
"We must remember that all economic, technical, and transport projects are done by people. Therefore, when we talk about humanitarian cooperation, nothing will grow without this field. Behind any technology, calculations, or investment there are people," said Adil Kaukenov, director of the Kazakhstan Center for Chinese Studies.
The participants said that this event further strengthened the exchange of governance experience between China and Central Asian countries and injected new impetus into deepening practical cooperation in various fields, allowing for the joint promotion of modernization and the building of a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.
"We have very close contact with our Chinese colleagues. Four laboratories and international centers have been created based on the National Academy of Sciences with the help of our Chinese partners. I would say our work in this direction is very active," said Mamurdzhon Mirvaisov, head of the Department of International Scientific Relations of Tajikistan
"Party cooperation is now at a new level and also contributes to economic, humanitarian and cultural development. Within the framework of the memorandum signed with the Communist Party of China, young politicians can exchange views on technology, business, and education," said Daulet Karibek, executive secretary of Kazakhstan's AMANAT Party.
The event came ahead of the Central Asia-China Summit, scheduled for June in Astana.
Officials from China, Central Asia discuss governance, cultural exchanges
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
