China, Iran Willing to Expand Bilateral Cooperation

China and Iran expressed their willingness in Tehran on Jan.6 to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields and promote regional political stability and economic development.

At a meeting with Iran's First Vice President Hassan Habibi, visiting Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao said China attaches great importance to relations with Iran.

He pointed out that it is a consistent policy of the Chinese government to enhance cooperation with Iran in various fields.

Hu, who arrived here on Friday on a five-day official visit, said China is willing to further its friendly relations with Iran through joint efforts with the Iranian side.

Recalling the traditional Sino-Iranian friendship which dates back to ancient times, the Chinese leader said that a new chapter in bilateral relations has been opened up since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 30 years ago.

At the start of the new millenium, Hu said, it is necessary for the two countries to review their relationship with a future vision so as to ensure a healthier and more mooth development of their bilateral ties.

He praised Iranian President Mohammad Khatami's visit to China last June, saying that trip greatly promoted bilateral ties and laid the foundation of a long-term and stable Sino-Iranian cooperation in the new century.

Hu also expressed his satisfaction at the development of economic and trade cooperation between the two sides.

China-Iran two-way trade broke the 2.5-billion-U.S.-dollar mark in 2000. Iran has become an important trade partner of China in the Middle East and Gulf region.

Extending warm welcome to Hu's visit, Habibi expressed hope that the trip will give a push to bilateral cooperation, especially in economic, trade, scientific and cultural fields, adding both sides should work for the expansion of ties in the new century.

The two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. Both sides said they are willing to play a constructive role in the region for the sake of the political stability and economic development there.

They agreed that peace and development are the common aspiration of people around the world, and the concept of "dialog among civilizations," initiated by the Iranian president, will serve to promote friendship and understanding of different cultures and peaceful coexistence of different countries.

Iran is the first stop Hu's five-nation tour, which also includes Syria, Jordan, Cyprus and Uganda.

During his stay in Iran, Hu is also expected to hold talks with Khatami, Vice President Mohammad Hashemi, Majlis (parliament) speaker Mehdi Karubi and other senior officials.

Accompanying Hu during the visit are Deputy Foreign Minister Ji Peiding, Deputy Minister in charge of State Development Planning Commission Wang Yang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Sun Guangxiang and other senior officials.






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