A senior advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution described relations between Iran and China as "strategic".
Ali Akbar Velayati, director of the Center for Strategic Research of the Expediency Council, made the remarks in a meeting with a Chinese foreign ministry delegation in Tehran on Sunday.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great significance to expansion of relations with China," IRNA quoted him as saying. He continued, "Iran and China as two Asian powers enjoy enormous capacities for expansion of relations."
He pointed out that high-level officials in both states are resolved to boost "strategic ties" and enhance "bilateral cooperation", adding that promotion of strategic ties will secure the future of the relationship against occasional harms and foreign interventions. Velayati stated, "Iran and china do not need to do extensive research to find grounds for increasing their ties, since there are great similarities in various areas as in cultural, political, social and economic spheres which could be used effectively to pave the way for improving relations."
Referring to regional and international developments, he said, "The special situation in the region is of high significance for a number of world's states, since some western countries pursue their illegitimate objectives due to their access to resources."
Zhang Deguang, a member of China's council of foreign policy advisors, referred to his responsibility as the first secretary general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and pointed out, "We have the honor to see Iran as an observer member in the organization."
The former Chinese deputy foreign minister said, "The recent developments in relations between Iran and China indicate the resolve of the two states for expansion of relations and joint cooperation."
Zheng noted, "The latest regional and international developments are changing rapidly and both countries should increase their relations in regional and international arenas."
He added, "There are great economic, cultural and human capacities in Iran and China and the two states enjoy numerous similarities which can be used to help increase mutual cooperation."
