Enhanced co-op in int'l arena
As active members of the 77 Group, Non-Aligned Movement and other international organizations, Iran and China have engaged in much consultation and cooperation on several international issues.
Iran has conducted consultation and cooperation with China in about 50 international, economic and cultural UN bodies, in order to enhance the status of cooperation among developing countries.
The two countries have strengthened regional cooperation through Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on diverse issues such as human rights, development, environment and health.
Both nations support dialogue among cultures and civilizations as an important initiative to enhance mutual and common understanding and prevent the exploitation of human rights as a tool for advancing the political interests of a few.
They deem international cooperation to be a vehicle to bring about friendly relations among states and provide the necessary climate to combat terrorism through the elimination of exclusion, discrimination and humiliation, and through respect for the above topics.
Both sides feel the international community should recognize the right of all peoples and nations to self-determination and the preservation of their own cultures, free from any coercion at the global level. It is only within this context that international cooperation in the field of human rights can protect such rights and promote a sense of identity among individuals and nations.
They deem that globalization should not be a justification, or a vehicle, for imposing a particular culture or way of life on others. Globalization should be inclusive and fair, and guarantee respect for human values as well as the globalization of morality and human happiness.
(China Daily 02/18/2008 page13)