IRAN-Xi: China Will Promote Early & Proper Resolution Of Nuclear Issue

MNI (London)-Chinese state media reporting comments from President Xi Jinping as his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi arrives with a senior delegation of ministers and officials. This is the first visit to China by an Iranian president in 20 years. Xi: 'Will continue to constructively participate in negotiations on resuming Iran's nuclear agreement....China will support the Iranian side in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests over nuclear issue.'

• Xi: 'China will promote the early and proper resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.'
• Xi: China will unwaveringly develop friendly cooperation with Iran regardless of any changes in the international and regional situations'.
• Xi: 'Willing to deepen cooperation with Iran in trade, agriculture infrastructure...China will import more high quality agricultural products from Iran.'
• While Iran is seeking closer economic cooperation with China, relations have not been wholly smooth in recent months. Qatar-basedAl Jazeera wrote on 13 Feb: "...the Raisi visit also comes shortly after Tehran called in China’s ambassador to Tehran in December to convey “strong dissatisfaction” after Xi issued a controversial joint statement with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries."