The value of trade with China has reached $52 billion so far this year (to end March 20), recording a 30% increase compared with last year, Iran’s ambassador to Beijing, Ali Asghar Khaji, said on Saturday.
“The level of cooperation between the two countries is very good,” said the Iranian envoy, noting that both countries are willing to expand bilateral cooperation in different areas.
Pointing to the upcoming visit to Iran by Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, Khaji said the visit indicates the level of friendship between the two countries whose ancient ties cover a staggering span of 22 centuries.
The Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi was due to visit Tehran at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday to discuss bilateral and regional developments with senior Iranian officials.
Wang and Zarif are expected to discuss the ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the P 5+1 group (the US, Russia, China, France and Britain plus Germany).
Iran and the six major world powers are holding negotiations to reach a settlement by late June to end a decade-long dispute over Iran’s nuclear energy program. Last week, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi voiced Beijing’s full support for concluding a win-win nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1.
“Wang Yi is set to hold talks with senior Iranian officials on issues of mutual interests, regional and international developments,” the Iranian ambassador said, adding that China has been playing a very constructive role in the nuclear negotiations.