China Official Calls For Enhanced Ties With Iran

Tehran, Dec 8, IRNA -- Senior member of China’s State Council Yang Jiechi said on Sunday that Chinese officials attach special significance to promotion of all-out relations with Iran. Jiechi who is on an official visit to Iran, in a meeting with Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani termed Larijani’s recent trip to China as successful in advancing already signed agreements and said that exchange of political and parliamentary delegations between the two countries would further accelerate the pace of Tehran-Beijing cooperation. Meanwhile, the Iranian Majlis speaker referred to long-lasting historical and cultural ties between the two nations as a base for enhancement of bilateral friendly ties. Iran regards China as an important country in Asia and the world and is keen on promoting ties with Beijing in different fields, Larijani said. The Majlis speaker called for making use of existing capacities in favor of the two nations in different areas, particularly industry and energy. State Council is China’s executive body, including prime minister, four deputy prime ministers, five state councilors, the secretary-general of the council and the government ministers. Yang Jiechi, 63, is a high-ranking Chinese politician and lifelong professional diplomat. He was the tenth foreign minister of the People?s Republic of China, between 2007 and 2013. He joined the inner circle of the State Council in 2013, as a State Councilor under Premier Li Keqiang. In this capacity, he serves as one of the most prominent architects of China's foreign policy./end