ALWAGHT- Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese ambassador to Tehran in protest against a joint statement issued by China and the United Arab Emirates, which includes "baseless claims" about Iran's sovereignty over three Persian Gulf islands.
On Sunday, Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned China's ambassador to Tehran to protest the Chinese government's support for the unfounded claims in clause 26 of a joint statement issued after a meeting between China and the UAE.
The director general of the Persian Gulf directorate at Iran's Foreign Ministry conveyed Iran's objections to China's stance on the three Iranian islands mentioned in the joint statement with the UAE.
Highlighting the strong and unique relations between Tehran and Beijing, the Iranian diplomat emphasized that respect for each nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity is a fundamental principle of international relations.
Reaffirming Iran’s perpetual sovereignty over the three Persian Gulf islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, Mohammad Alibak stated, “The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim made by any party in this regard to be rejected and unacceptable.”
Given the strategic cooperation between Iran and China, Tehran expects the Beijing government to correct its stance on this issue, the Iranian official added. The Chinese ambassador assured that he would convey Iran’s protest to his government.
The islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa have historically been part of Iran, as evidenced and corroborated by numerous historical, legal, and geographical documents from Iran and around the world.
