China opposes proliferation of nuclear weapons in any form, but supports international cooperation for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, said President Hu Jintao.

He made these remarks during a meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi in Beijing Monday.

Hu told Kharazi, who arrived on Sunday, that China appreciates Iran's policy of strengthening cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and its positive statement on the issue of signing the additional protocol for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Kharazi briefed Hu about Iran's stand on the nuclear issue. He stressed that Iran has no plan to develop nuclear weapons, and that its programme for the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy is completely transparent.

He added that Iran is willing to cooperate with the IAEA.

Hu Jintao told Kharazi that China attaches great importance to its relations with Iran, and hopes to develop the relations on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence.

The Chinese president noted that China-Iran relations have developed smoothly over the past years, characterized by frequent top-level visits and smooth cooperation in the areas of trade, energy, telecommunications and transportation.

(China Daily August 26, 2003)