Senior Chinese legislator attends funeral of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

He Wei, vice-chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, attended the funeral of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on behalf of the Chinese side from July 2 to 3. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf separately met with He.

He expressed China's deep condolences over the passing of Ali Khamenei, and extended sincere sympathies to the Iranian government and people as well as the family of the late supreme leader. He also expressed the hope that under the leadership of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran will restore security, stability and development at an early date.

Noting that China-Iran relations have maintained steady and sound growth since the establishment of diplomatic ties 55 years ago, he reaffirmed that China's commitment to developing relations with Iran remains unwavering and the direction of bilateral ties will not change. China stands ready to work with Iran to promote the steady and sustained progress of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership, he added.

He noted that China welcomes the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, and hopes that both sides will implement the outcomes already achieved, uphold the ceasefire, remain rational and pragmatic and consolidate the momentum of negotiations. China also hopes that the issues concerning the Strait of Hormuz will be properly handled and that regional countries will coexist in harmony, he said.

Iranian leaders congratulated the Communist Party of China on the 105th anniversary of its founding, thanked China for sending a high-level representative to attend the funeral and stated that Iran will always remember China's longstanding valuable support.

They said Iran appreciates and supports the four major global initiatives proposed by China and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to elevate Iran-China relations to a new level. They also expressed readiness to continueease tensions through political and diplomatic channels, properly handle the issues concering the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law and achieve good-neighborly relations with neighboring countries.