Why Iran’s choice of Beijing envoy signals an ‘unprecedented’ commitment
Prominent hardliner Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, is a veteran of peace talks with the US
Iran has signalled “unprecedented” commitment to its ties with China by appointing a veteran of peace talks with the US as its emissary to Beijing, a move experts said also underscored China’s rise as a “third space” where Middle East powers could quietly negotiate.
The responsibilities of Ghalibaf’s new role “differ in their level of authority” compared with previous representatives, the Tasnim report said, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The appointment was proposed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and supported by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Tasnim.
Niu Xinchun, executive director of the China-Arab Research Institute at Ningxia University, said the appointment showed Iran was placing “unprecedented” importance on its relationship with China.
“He is likely a figure who can represent Iran and is acceptable to all domestic political factions … Having him [appointed to this position] shows the immense importance Iran currently attaches to its relations with China,” the scholar said.