Iran and China pledged on Saturday to promote the development of
bilateral relations in all fields.
During his talks with visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Lu
Guozeng, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad commended China's
achievements in its social construction and said that bilateral
relations have undergone smooth development in recent years.
Iran views China as a friend and cooperation partner and hopes
to strengthen its cooperation with China in all fields, Ahmadinejad
said.
For his part, Lu said China attaches importance to developing
relations with Iran and appreciates Iran's adherence to the "one
China" policy.
"China is willing to work with Iran to further enhance bilateral
exchanges and cooperation in such fields as politics, economy,
trade and culture, " said Lu, who also discussed Iran's nuclear
issue with the Iranian president.
Lu also met with Iran's Supreme Security Council secretary Ali
Larijani and Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Safari on Saturday and
had an in-depth and candid exchange of views on bilateral ties,
international and regional issues of mutual concern as well as the
Iranian nuclear issue.
Lu arrivedĀ in Teheran Friday for a working visit at the
invitation of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2006)