*** IRANDAILY
--Toward a lasting example of cooperation
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s Foreign Minister
On top of the incumbent Iranian government’s agenda is constructive interaction with the world, especially its Asian partners and friends, in accordance with its balanced foreign policy, dynamic diplomacy, and smart interaction. On the other hand, China as an emergent economic actor is seeking to make more waves and increase its influence in the international system. China’s position in the world’s trade, politics, and security spheres has made it difficult, even for its rivals, to overlook the opportunities for cooperation and exploiting its capacities.
China is the top trading partner to more than 120 countries, including Iran. Moreover, it has encouraged the participation of some 150 countries in the Belt and Road Initiative during the 10 years that have passed since its unveiling.
-- Cultural and people-to-people ties between Iran and China — the path ahead
With the development of communication technologies and the media’s more significant impact on the foreign policy of countries, sub-national actors, such as public opinion and paradiplomacy, have played an increasingly vital role in foreign relations. Though national deals are normally approved by governments, public support also plays a part that cannot be overlooked. Public opinion and influence bring opportunities and challenges to a country’s foreign policy and relations, according to Xinhua News Agency.
The development of communication technologies significantly affects how public opinion influences foreign policy. Today, the media can be used in asymmetric and soft warfare among countries. In this regard, Western countries have been a pioneer in establishing media and expanding their range of activities. Western propaganda has profoundly influenced the world’s public opinion in pursuit of particular objectives. Social networks and media are used as leverage to pressure governments or even cause disruption.
-- Iran, Turkmenistan after cooperation on developing railway, roads infrastructure
Iranian Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare Solat Mortazavi said Tehran and Ashgabat have set it on the agenda to expand cooperation for the development of transportation infrastructure in order to increase trade exchanges. Mortazavi made the remarks following a meeting with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashit Owezgeldiyewich Meredow, IRNA reported.
Speaking in the meeting, Mortazavi said the two countries have historical, cultural, and religious roots and commonalities that can facilitate economic cooperation.
** KAYHAN INTERNATIONAL
-- Iran 2nd Largest Pistachio Exporter to EU – Data
EU statistical office (Eurostat) and the Chinese customs office have reported that Iran was the second largest pistachio exporter to European Union and China after the United States in 2022. The figures covered in a Saturday report by the IRNA showed that Iran had exported 174 million euros worth of pistachio to the EU countries and China last year.
Eurostat figures showed that Iran’s pistachio exports to the EU had amounted to 111 million euros last year, down by more than 42% from 2021.
-- BRICS Debates Expansion as Iran, Saudi Arabia Seek Entry
The BRICS group of nations plans to decide this year whether to admit new members and what criteria they would have to meet, with Iran and Saudi Arabia among those who’ve formally asked to join, according to South Africa’s ambassador to the bloc.
Enlarging the group that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa would benefit Beijing, as the world’s second-biggest economy tries to build diplomatic clout to counter the dominance of developed nations in the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other institutions.
-- Iran, Russia Sign MoU on Sport Cooperation
Iran’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports of Iran met with his Russian counterpart to sign an MoU on cooperation in various sports fields. Hamid Sajjadi and Oleg Matytsin signed an MoU on cooperation in various sports fields.
Describing Iran-Russia MoU on developing sports cooperation as positive, Sajjadi stressed the necessity of implementing joint cooperation programs in various sports fields between the two states.
** TEHRAN TIMES
-- Tehran says resistance will soon bring ill-wishers to their knees
Nasser Kanaani, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, has sternly condemned French President Emmanuel Macron for meeting with Masih Alinejad, an Iranian dissident who defends economic sanctions against Iranians and even pushes for military action against the Islamic Republic.
The brief encounter took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC). Kanaani called the anti-revolution elements, who had lately or in late November met with Macron, as “undignified clowns”.
-- Ney virtuoso Hassan Nahid dies at 79
Accomplished Iranian ney player Hassan Nahid died at his home as a result of complications related to old age. He was 79. Nahid began performing the ney, a kind of flute made of reed that is often used in traditional Iranian music, from childhood when he was 10.
He developed his professional skills in courses on Iranian music with masters such as tombak virtuoso Hossein Tehrani and ney player Hassan Kasai. Learning from such big names led Nahid to perform in top ensembles and orchestras working with famous vocalists, including Hossein Qavami, Abdolvahab Shahidi and Mohammadreza Shajarian.
-- Syria grateful for Iran's aids to quake-hit regions
Syrian Health Minister Hassan Muhammad Al-Ghabash has thanked Iran for providing aid to people affected by the recent devastating earthquake.
“In order to prevent a humanitarian disaster in the earthquake-affected areas of Syria, we reach out to the Iranian Red Crescent Society,” he said during a meeting with IRCS head Pir-Hossein Kolivand, IRNA reported.
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