Iran’s Information and Communications Technology Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi made the statement during his meeting with Chinese Ambassador in Tehran Chang Hua on Sunday, the ministry’s website reported.
During the meeting, Jahromi emphasized the expansion of technological ties between the two countries, pointing “to vast untapped potentials in the field”.
According to Financial Tribune, Jahromi called China a “strategic partner of Iran in digital economic development”.
“Almost all major firms active in the fields of computer operating systems, networks and ICT infrastructure and services are American. Therefore, we are facing US hegemony in the field,” he said.
“The Islamic Republic and the People's Republic of China should stand united against the United States’ unilateralism and hegemonistic ambitions. We must expand our strategic collaborations.”
The ambassador highlighted the strong ties between Iran and China and noted that the minister will participate in the Forum of Young Global Leaders later this week.
Dalian Forum
The forum in Dalian, China, will bring together inspirational and pioneering leaders from across the world to connect with one another, reflect on new insights and affect the complex world around them.
Chang noted that plans have been made to enable Jahromi to meet with Chinese officials and businesspeople during the visit.
The event is organized by World Economic Forum and will be hosted in Dalian, China, from June 30 to July 3.
The event’s website states, “We live in an era when people and ideas sometimes move faster than thinking and values evolve. We observe reaction without contemplation and growing divides. Citizens are negotiating new social contracts with implications on long-standing geopolitical and economic structures. We are entering a new phase: Globalization 4.0.”
According to the statement, during times of significant geopolitical, economic and environmental transformation, leaders require a collaborative approach. Flourishing communities depend on the active contributions of all parts of society.
Forging New Ties
As US animosity toward Tehran heightened fraying ties between Iran and European nations, Iran has struck new partnerships.
China and Russia are major players in the field of technology that Iran has turned to.
For instance, China-Iran Innovation Center was inaugurated in February in Chabahar Free Zone in the southern Sistan-Baluchestan Province.
A trilateral agreement was signed by the new center, the International University of Chabahar and Chabahar Free Zone Organization, which calls for backing SMEs and startups in Iran and help connect them to China's commercial and industrial firms.
In mid-June, Jahromi met with Mikhail Mamonov, Russia’s deputy minister for digital development, communications and mass media, for discussing expansion of bilateral ties.
Iran, Russia, Turkey and Azerbaijan have agreed to jointly implement a project for the establishment of a joint ICT market. The four countries will establish startup centers with a joint investment of $2 million to expand technological collaboration.