The multilateral platform provided by the BRICS enables Iran to grasp more opportunities to boost economic cooperation with other countries and better serve its national interests, said Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Monday, the day Iran became an official BRICS member.

“Becoming an official member of BRICS signifies an elevation of Iran's international status. By joining this cooperative mechanism, Iran will better serve its national interests, while enhancing its constructive role in international multilateral mechanisms,” the spokesman told a weekly press conference held in Tehran.

Kanaani also expressed optimism for the deepening of relations between Iran and China in the new year.

“It is expected that Iran-China relations will continue to advance at a faster pace in the new year based on the various agreements signed between the two countries, the deals reached during meetings between the leaders, and the high-level political will of both nations. Iran is looking forward to witnessing the strengthening of relationship with China based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation,” said Kanaani.

(Inputs from Reuters)