FM: Iran Seeking to Establish Strategic Ties with China
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif emphasized the importance of Tehran-Beijing ties, and said the Islamic Republic is willing to establish “strategic relations” with the East Asian country.
In a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on the sidelines of the 4th Ministerial Conference of Istanbul Process on Afghanistan on Friday, Zarif pointed to Tehran and Beijing's shared stances on many regional and international issues, and stressed the need for the further promotion of bilateral ties in all spheres.
Zarif also praised the "positive role" played by China in the negotiations between Iran and six world powers on the Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program.
He said there is strong political will in the Islamic Republic to reach an agreement and Iran is very serious in the talks over its peaceful nuclear program.
The Chinese official, for his part, said Zarif’s presence in Beijing conference on Afghanistan signifies Iran’s support for China’s efforts to promote regional cooperation, particularly on Afghanistan.
Wang Yi also pointed to Iran’s important role in resolving Afghanistan’s problems and reconstructing the war-stricken country.
The 4th Ministerial Conference of Istanbul Process on Afghanistan was held in Beijing on Friday with participation of 21 foreign ministers and a total of 46 countries.