FM: China would remain with Iran as strategic partner

Beijing– China would continue remaining with Iran as a strategic partner, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad JavadZarif said on Monday.

He told reporters upon arrival in Beijing early Monday morning.

Zarif called Iran-China relations positive and said that ground is ready for development of ties between the two countries, according to IRNA.

Tehran is ready to develop relations with China in all fields, he added.

The official said that China is a friend which sided with Iran during the difficult days of sanctions.

He stressed that today and after facilitation of economic relations between Tehran and Beijing, Islamic Republic has political desire to have the support of China as its strategic partner.

Zarif called his visit to India fruitful and said he will discuss economic and political issues with the Chinese officials during the trip.

He said Iran and China enjoy good economic relations now.

Development of all-out ties between Iran and China has been emphasized during the Chinese President Xi Jinping travel to Tehran, the official noted.

Zarif referred to Iranian and Chinese presidents’ stress on boosting ties between the two countries and said enhancement of cooperation between Tehran and Beijing is on the agenda of his visit to China.

Both Iran’s private and public sectors are ready to help promotion of relations between Iran and China, he noted.

Zarif said he will attend an economic forum with presence of Iranian and Chinese entrepreneurs.

He pointed to the problems in the banking field and noted that he will discuss banking cooperation with the Chinese officials.

The high ranking officials from Central Bank of Iran accompany the Iranian visiting delegation to discuss banking problems with the Chinese officials, Zarif noted.

He welcomed presence of 18 knowledge-based companies in the visiting delegation.

Representatives of knowledge-based companies who are working on production of 100 advanced technological products in various fields including nano and biotechnology, had constructive talks in India, Zarif said.

He voiced hope that representatives of knowledge-based companies continue their discussions in China and Japan.

Zarif heading a high ranking political and economic delegation arrived in Beijing early Monday morning after two day visit to India.

He is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and China’s Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli on Monday.

Iranian foreign minister will attend Iran’s investment opportunities forum on Tuesday.

He is slated to meet Peking University president and give a lecture in the academic center on Tuesday.

M.Wassouf