Chinese President’s Tehran Visit is A turning Point in Bilateral Relations, Says Velayati

Head of the Strategic Research Center of the Expediency Council, Ali-Akbar Velayati, said that the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Iran marks a turning point in Iran-China relations and Shanghai Cooperation Organization, IRNA reported.

Speaking to reporters, Velayati said after Russian President, Xi Jinping is the second president from a veto-wielding country to visit Iran.

He said the visits of Russian and Chinese presidents to Iran are two important events and a change in favor of orientation towards the east.

He cited to the remarks of the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei in a meeting with Xi, saying as the Leader termed the visit as one of the most important positive historical event.

Velayati said in the Chinese delegation consisted a number of ministers, deputy prime minister and top ranking political and economic as well as security officials of China indicating importance of the visit.

Referring to a series of agreements and documents signed by Iran and China, he said that it is a turning point in Iran-China relations.

‘We see that Chinese officials are saying they will support Iran’s full membership in the SCO.’

Italian president hails Iran’s contribution to international cooperation

On the other hand in Rome, Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed pleasure with the upcoming visit to Italy by President Hassan Rouhani, saying Tehran plays important role in the region and the international community as well.

Mattarella made the remarks speaking in an exclusive interview with IRNA on the eve of President Rouhani’s visit to Italy.

Referring to Iran nuclear deal and the subsequent lifting of sanctions, the Italian president said that the deal was a major achievement for securing peace and stability across the region and the entire world.

Italian firms were waiting for this moment and are currently ready to restart cooperation with Tehran in different areas, Mattarella said, voicing the Italian government’s readiness to help further economic relations between the two countries.

Relations between Iran and Italy remained strong even during the tough times, because the relations have their roots in affinities between the Iranian and Italian nations, Mattarella said.

He said he was happy that President Rouhani has selected Italy as the destination for his first European visit. This is an indication of friendship and closeness between the two nations, he added.

R.S