Iran is seeking long-term strategic partnership with China within the framework of Beijing’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative that revives the old Silk Road, increasing the country’s commercial prowess in the world.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif presented a 25-year roadmap as part of Iran’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China to actively contribute to Belt & Road Initiative.
“I proposed a 25-year roadmap to consolidate our integral strategic association between Iran and China and make a positive contribution to the Belt and Road initiative,” Zarif tweeted in Chinese following a meeting with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global development strategy involving infrastructure development and investments in 152 countries and international organizations in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
"Belt" refers to the overland routes for road and rail transportation, called "the Silk Road Economic Belt"; whereas "road" refers to the sea routes, or the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Iran plays a major role in the project as it’s a transit hub that can link East with Central Asia, Europe, Persian Gulf states and Africa.
The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) passes through Iran, linking India with Central Asia, Afghanistan bypassing Pakistán, Eurasia and Europe.
Iran is also investing and constructing rail and road infrastructures to serve as a perfect regional transport hub.