China appreciates Iranian president-elect's remarks on bilateral relations: spokesperson

BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhua) -- China appreciates the remarks made by Iran's President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian on China-Iran relations and stands ready to work with the new government to promote the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

In an article published on Saturday in Iran's Tehran Times, Pezeshkian said Iran cherishes its traditional friendship with China and looks forward "to collaborating more extensively with Beijing as we advance towards a new global order."

When asked to comment on Pezeshkian's remarks at a daily press briefing, spokesperson Lin Jian said China and Iran enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges, and the bilateral relations have maintained sound and steady development since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than half a century ago.

In the face of complex regional and international situations, China and Iran have always supported each other and worked together to consolidate strategic mutual trust, steadily promoted exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and maintained sound communication and coordination on regional and international affairs, Lin said.

"This has not only benefited the Chinese and Iranian people, but also contributed to regional and world peace and stability," said the spokesperson.

"China attaches great importance to the development of China-Iran relations and stands ready to work with the new government to promote the steady and long-term development of China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership," Lin said.