Iran And Chinese Heads Discuss Regional Developments

KABUL: (MEP) The Chinese president Xi Jinping arrived in Iran, capital Tehran at the head of a politico-economic delegation on Friday where the next day he held talks with the country’s President Hassan Rouhani, during which the two sides discussed the latest mutual and regional developments.

Iran and China signed 17 documents for cooperation in economic, industrial, cultural and judicial fields in the presence of the two countries’ presidents.

The two nations also agreed to expand bilateral ties to form a comprehensive strategic partnership, calling it a “new season” in bilateral relations.

It was the first visit of the Chinese president to Iran since international sanctions on the Islamic Republic were lifted on Jan. 16 after it struck a deal with six major powers to limit its nuclear programme. China was one of the six.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei also held talks with visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday, and said that the US claim of the formation of an “anti-terror coalition” was an act of deception.

Ayatollah Khamenei as well as slamming the US-led coalition formed with the alleged aim of targeting terrorists in the Middle East, said “Washington has never been honest about its motives.”

“Such is the Americans’ approach to all issues and they are never honest in their conduct,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

The Leader added that the Middle East is grappling with insecurity due to the “wrong” policies of Western countries and “a deviant and erroneous” perception of Islam, urging Muslim countries to exercise “prudent cooperation” to stop the escalation of such insecure conditions.

Ayatollah Khamenei further added that some regional states are the root cause of the deviant dogma and said Western countries have exerted pressure on Muslims in Europe and the US instead of fighting terrorist groups.

“These terrorist movements are completely different from the actual Islamic ideology,” the Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei pointed to the insistence of Western media and governments, particularly in the US, on using the term “Islamic State” to refer to certain terrorist groups, saying, “This approach is an insult to Muslims and instead of remedying the problem indirectly brings about the grounds for the reinforcement of these groups.” 

During the meeting, which was also attended by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Xi said Tehran and Beijing enjoy cordial relations and urged the two sides to further promote cooperation based on mutual interests.

The Chinese president added that the Silk Road is the symbol of peace, progress and friendly transactions and called on countries located in the trade route to boost their cooperation in a bid to protect their interests against the US moves aimed at destroying regional economic balance.

He emphasized that China would continue to tread the path of development as an independent country and is ready to bolster cooperation with Iran in all fields following the removal of sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Xi also praised Iran’s support for a united and unified China.