2016年CRI China, Iran Upgrade Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

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Xi Jinping says the gesture signals the two sides want to open up the relationship to different areas over the long-term.

"This is my first trip to Iran seeking to meet Iranian officials and a new chapter in Iran-China relations. We are going to increase pragmatic co-operation in various areas and further consolidate¹ friendship between the two nations."

Xi Jinping's trip to Iran is the first by a Chinese President in 14-years.

While China and Iran have only had diplomatic ties since 1990, a lot has been made about the historical ties between China and Iran, which can be traced back well over a thousand years. 

But at the same time, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is suggesting the future is where Iran is interested in looking when it comes to China.

"Today, we discussed strategic relations between the two countries, regulating and signing a comprehensive 25-year document and also upgrading bilateral² ties in the coming ten years. We decided³ to increase mutual⁴ trade up to 600 billion dollars."

Beyond the diplomatic front, the Chinese President says the two also discussed a number of tangible⁵ issues.

"We have reached consensus⁶ to enhance all-round cooperation in the energy sector⁷, so as to establish long-term stable cooperative ties in the area of energy. Meanwhile, we have also agreed to collaborate⁸ in infrastructure⁹ and industrial parks construction. China is ready to provide funding to Iran, in an effort to strengthen bilateral cooperation at all levels. "

Hassan Rouhani also says Iran wants to be an active player in the Chinese government's "Belt and Road" Initiative, as well as the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Both leaders have also agreed to set up an annual meetings between the Foreign Ministers of China and Iran.

The Chinese side has also confirmed its support for Iran to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

As part of his time in Iran, Xi Jinping also sat down with Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Ali Larijani, as well as Supreme¹⁰ Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, promising¹¹ China's commitment to safeguarding security, peace and stability in the Middle East and the rest of the world. 

Iran was the last leg of the Chinese President's 5-day trip to the Middle East, which also took him to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.