China, Iran vow to deepen strategic cooperation

China and Iran pledged here Wednesday to deepen the strategic cooperation between the two countries.

The pledge came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad-Javad Zarif on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process.

During their meeting, Wang Yi said the China-Iran relations possess important and strategic connotations and a solid foundation has been laid for bilateral cooperation with mutual trust getting deepened.

The inking and taking effect of the comprehensive agreement on the Iran nuclear issue has ushered in new opportunities for the development of bilateral ties, Wang said.

China is willing to maintain high-level exchange of visits, strengthen strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, join hands in building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (One Belt and One Road)initiated by China and keep communication and coordination in both regional and international affairs with Iran so as to push forward the development of bilateral ties to a higher level, the Chinese foreign minister said.

China has always been an important participant in finding a solution to Iran's nuclear issue and has played a constructive role in hammering out the comprehensive agreement, Wang said, adding his country is willing to work together with Iran to implement the deal.

For his part, Zarif said his country is willing to deepen strategic cooperation with China, seeks to be a good partner in China's "Belt and Road" initiative and enhance cooperation with China in regional and international affairs including the issues of Afghanistan, Syria and the fight against terrorism.

Saying Iran appreciates China's constructive role in helping reach the comprehensive agreement, Zarif hoped that his country will continue to get China's support in implementing the deal. Endit