China is willing to work with Ghana to further enhance practical cooperation and strive for more solid progress in developing the strategic partnership between the two countries, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.
Mao made the statement when asked to comment on the development of China-Ghana relations as Saturday marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
"Ghana is one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to establish diplomatic ties with China, and also the first sub-Saharan African country visited by a Chinese leader. The friendship between the two countries has a long history and has grown stronger and stronger over time. Over the past 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Ghana relations have enjoyed sound and steady development, with deepening political mutual trust and fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation across various fields. Last year, the two countries established a strategic partnership. China stands ready to work with Ghana, taking the 65th anniversary as an opportunity to further deepen traditional friendship, enhance political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation in various sectors, and strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, so as to advance the China-Ghana strategic partnership to greater depth and substance and deliver greater benefits to the two peoples," said Mao.
China ready to deepen strategic partnership with Ghana: spokeswoman
China ready to deepen strategic partnership with Ghana: spokeswoman
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
