Chinese, Iranian FMs pledge deeper mutual trust, cooperation

DUSHANBE, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, met here Thursday and vowed to strengthen political mutual trust and practical cooperation between their countries.

China views its relations with Iran from a strategic height and long-term perspective, said Wang, who is accompanying Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Tajik capital for the 14th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations.

Noting that Iran is a regional power of international influence and a big Islamic and developing country, Wang said both Beijing and Tehran shoulder important responsibility in safeguarding international and regional peace.

Wang said he hopes that Iran, as an important observer of the SCO, will continue to enhance cooperation with SCO members and jointly preserve regional peace and stability.

Citing the positive changes in the Iranian nuclear issue since the beginning of this year, Wang voiced appreciation for Iran's adherence to resolving the issue through peaceful negotiations.

The next phase of negotiation is critical to the conclusion of a comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue as scheduled, Wang said, adding that he hopes relevant parties will adopt a flexible and pragmatic approach so as to reach a fair and balanced settlement of mutual benefit.

Iran and the P5+1 group -- the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany -- agreed on July 19 to extend their talks until Nov. 24 as disagreements remained over Tehran's uranium enrichment capacity, its Arak heavy water reactor and the sanctions.

"China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and negotiation on the issue," said Wang.

Zarif said Iran is ready to further develop the long-term and strategic relationship with China and continuously push forward all-round practical cooperation.

Iran is committed to resolving the nuclear issue through negotiations, he said, extending appreciation for China's positive role in the negotiation process and hoping to gain China's continued understanding and support in the future.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on such topics as Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria and Iraq, as well as bilateral anti-terrorism cooperation.