Beijing/Tehran, 18 August 2021 (TDI): Chinese President Xi Jinping had telephonic contact with his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on Wednesday. China and Iran are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year and earlier both sides exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion too.
During the call, President Xi Jinping said that China is ready to develop an extended strategic partnership with Iran. Highlighting the 50 years of bilateral relations between both states, Xi pointed out that Iran and China have stood with each other despite several international challenges.
Xi also praised the cooperation and relations that both sides showed and developed during the time of the pandemic. ‘China welcomes Iran’s continuous efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and China would uncompromisingly build friendly relations with Iran, no matter how the global and regional environment evolves’, added Xi. He also extended his support to Iran on its regional and international concerns. Iran and China should use their potential profoundly, actively promote collaboration with Belt and Road and achieve more practical cooperation outcomes, said Xi.
Ebrahim Raisi for his part extended warm wishes to Xi on the 100th anniversary of CPC as well as on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Iran. Raisi also appreciated China for standing with Iran during the difficult times of COVID, and also thanked Beijing for firmly supporting Iran over its regional and international issues.
Raisi further added that Iran’s foreign policy focuses on developing deeper relations with China. He also added that Iran stands firm with China on its stance on matters concerning Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong and openly opposes the politicization of COVID. Raisi also appreciated China’s BRI project by saying that the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative has a strategic vision and reaffirmed that Iran is ready to fully become a part of BRI.
