China willing to make efforts on advancing Iran’s nuclear talks, Xi says

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani during their meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Sept. 12, 2013. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

China is willing to make constructive efforts on advancing the Iranian nuclear talks, Chinese  President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday while meeting with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani.

Xi said China believes that Iran’s legitimate rights should be respected, and China upholds the principle of resolving the issue through dialogue and negotiation.

While praising the positive signal sent by Iran’s new government, the Chinese president pointed out that the nuclear issue is a vital one concerning Iran’s interests and regional peace and stability, urging relevant parties to focus on advancing substantial dialogues and seeking a win-win solution of mutual benefits in the upcoming stage.

Rouhani, for his part, reiterated Iran’s position on its peaceful use of nuclear energy, saying Iran will develop its nuclear plan under the framework of the international law. He added that Iran is willing to accept the monitoring and supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency to eliminate worries of the international community through cooperation.

Iran hopes that China could continue to play a constructive role on the issue, he said. The two leaders also exchanged views on bilateral relations. Xi said the pragmatic cooperation between China and Iran not only
benefits the two peoples, but also is conducive to world and regional peace and stability at large.

China is willing to maintain communication, deepen understanding, enhance mutual trust and strengthen cooperation with Iran, so as to boost the stable advancement of bilateral relations, Xi said.

Rouhani said the Iran-China relationship is of vital importance, adding that Iran hopes to enhance cooperation with China in such fields as politics, economy, trade, investment and culture.  Iran also hopes that the two countries could keep communication on regional issues to boost further expansion of bilateral relations, the president added.

Both Xi and Rouhani are in Bishkek for the 13th meeting of the Council of Heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, scheduled to be held on Friday. China is a member of the SCO, while Iran became an observer in 2005. <Xinhua/NEWSis>