Travel and life at the Iranian-Turkish border and Iranian city of Tabriz continued more or less as usual despite heightened tensions with Israel.
The flow of passengers remained steady at the Khoy-Kapikoy crossing between Türkiye and Iran on Saturday, with some Iranians forced to take lengthy overland routes due to canceled flights following Israel's airstrikes on Iran and the subsequent closure of Iranian airspace.
Although land border crossings have become critical transit points for travelers, the border checkpoint, located about 60 kilometers from Van, Türkiye, appeared calm with only mild increase of travelers despite heightened regional tensions. Dozens of buses lined up on the Turkish side, waiting to transport arriving Iranian passengers further into Türkiye.
"I'm a student in Türkiye. Usually I go with plane, but right now there isn't any plane going on in the country. I have to just do it with the cars. I have no choice for that," said an Iranian student studying in Türkiye.
Despite Israel's intensifying airstrikes in Iran's northwestern West Azerbaijan province on Saturday, the border area remained operational and calm, with many Iranians still returning home.
Approximately 300 kilometers from the border lies Tabriz, the largest city in northern Iran. Even as Israeli strikes continued overnight on Saturday, with Iranian air defense forces engaging targets in the skies above, daily life in Tabriz carried on.
The city's central streets remained bustling after dark, with traffic and commerce uninterrupted.
Travel, life in Iran remain operational and calm amid Iran-Israel tensions
Travel, life in Iran remain operational and calm amid Iran-Israel tensions
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
