Iranian Ambassador Calls for Expanded AI Capacity and Greater Role in Global Governance
In a note published by IRNA, Iran’s ambassador to China emphasized domestic development, international participation and deeper technological cooperation with Beijing.
Iran’s ambassador to China, writing for IRNA, called for stronger domestic AI capabilities, active participation in global AI governance and expanded cooperation with China in research, training and technology development. He said AI should support public welfare and sustainable development through equitable international cooperation.
TEHRAN — Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Iran’s ambassador to China, described artificial intelligence as a major component of national power in the 21st century and called for the development of domestic capabilities, greater participation in global AI governance and expanded scientific and technological cooperation with China.
In an exclusive note published by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Rahmani Fazli argued that AI is rapidly reshaping economic, scientific, industrial and social systems. He said countries’ futures would increasingly depend on their ability to understand the technology, build national capacity and participate in its production, innovation and governance.
The ambassador said Iran’s objective should extend beyond using AI tools to developing knowledge, infrastructure, specialized human resources and an innovation ecosystem. He also highlighted Iran’s membership in the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, or WAICO, describing it as an opportunity to participate more actively in international discussions, exchange experience and contribute to debates on the future governance of AI.
According to the note, Iran’s universities, research centers, knowledge-based companies and skilled workforce provide a basis for contributing to AI research, innovative applications and discussions on responsible and ethical development. Rahmani Fazli said effective participation in international mechanisms would require policy coordination, knowledge transfer, technology cooperation and mutual learning.
He said AI can support sustainable development when it is directed toward public welfare, economic growth, improved quality of life and the reduction of technological disparities. Iran’s position, he wrote, is that international cooperation should be based on mutual respect, equal participation, knowledge exchange, fair access to technological opportunities and shared benefits.
The note identified China as a potential partner, citing its experience in technological infrastructure, innovation support, industrial applications and links between science and industry. Rahmani Fazli said the comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China could support joint research projects, personnel training, technology development and the exchange of experience in AI.
He added that Iran and China could present what he described as a model of technological cooperation among developing countries, based on innovation, mutual learning, joint development and responsible use of technology. Iran, he said, was prepared to contribute its knowledge and capabilities to international cooperation aimed at ensuring that AI serves peace, development and the welfare of all nations.