Iran, China Explore Ways of Deepening Ties

Iran and China discussed practical ways of strengthening relations between their public and private sectors, Iran’s top lawmaker said. 
Upon returning from a visit to China, Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said multiple rounds of negotiations were held at various levels between Iranian and Chinese officials. 
“The delegates from the government and parliament each held specialized talks with their counterparts on different areas,” he was quoted as saying by ISNA on Thursday.  
The delegation, which visited Beijing this week, included high-level government officials, namely Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, Economy Minister Farhad Dejpasand and Governor of the Central Bank of Iran Abdolnasser Hemmati. 
Gholamreza Tajgardoun and Fereydoun Hassanvand, heads of the plan and budget, and energy commissions, also accompanied Larijani in the trip. 
Larijani said that in his meeting with Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, they held constructive discussions about development of parliamentary and government-level ties. 
“On Wednesday morning, I also met Chinese president [Xi Jinping] and conferred on all subjects that Iranian officials were tasked to pursue in this trip,” he said. 
Larijani noted that Iran and China share the same views about regional and international issues as well as economic cooperation in various areas, hoping that such efforts would help strengthen mutual ties.

Desire for Partnership Unchanged 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday quoting Xi as saying that the two countries had a long friendship and shared long-tested mutual trust.
“No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China’s resolve to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran will remain unchanged,” the Chinese president was quoted as saying by Reuters. 
Xi noted that China and Iran should further deepen strategic mutual trust and continue to support each other on core interests and major concerns.
"China advocates cooperation among international and regional parties to swiftly put the Middle East on the road of stability and development," Xi said.
“We support Iran in playing a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability, and are willing to closely communicate and coordinate on regional issues.”
China is the top importer of Iranian oil and has invested in various industries in Iran. 
It has also taken Iran’s side in the conflict between Tehran and Washington after the US unilaterally pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed its sanctions.