Iran, China to Build Power Plants, Says Salehi

Beijing-Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) Ali Akbar Salehi said that during talks with Chinese officials, he has reached good common approaches regarding the construction of commercial power plants, especially 100-megawatt power plants, according to IRNA.

Talking to IRNA before leaving Beijing for Tehran Friday, he hoped that mutual cooperation on the projects will be launched after signing a deal within one or two months.

Salehi who visited Beijing at the head of a high-ranking delegation comprising IAEO’s technical officials also said that during the talks with the Chinese officials, the issue of cooperation in the field of building commercial power plants was seriously discussed.

As to the construction of 1000-megawatt reactors, he said, ‘We may have cooperation with them in the field, given their interest in the project and good proposals put forward by them.’

China has made remarkable progress in commissioning 1000-megawatt commercial power plants and they are also ready to finance the projects, he said.

Referring to his talks with the Chinese side on Arak Heavy Water Reactor, Salehi said that since China has undertaken redesigning the reactor, it was necessary to conduct more serious negotiations in the field with them so as to determine the fate of Arak power plant until the implementation of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Elsewhere in his remarks, Salehi referred to Iran-China ties in the past, saying that bilateral relations are very profound and special in terms of economy and commerce.

‘We consider Chinese our friend in times of hardship,’ Salehi said, noting that China has always had positive attitude during Iran-5+1 group nuclear talks.

R.S