Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (L) meets with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping

Iran, China agree to increase trade ties to $600b in ten years
Tehran Times Political Desk

TEHRAN – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that a new chapter has been opened in relations with China, predicting that the value of trade ties between the two countries would reach 600 billion dollars in 10 years.

The remarks by Rouhani came as he held high-profile talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tehran on Saturday.

Xi visited Iran at the head of high-ranking political and economic delegation. His trip came just one week after the nuclear deal between Iran and great powers, which China is a member, went into force.

Beijing is Tehran’s top crude oil customer. The bilateral trade stood at some 52 billion dollars in 2014. However, the figure dropped in 2015 due to decreasing oil prices.

“I am sure from now on an important chapter has been opened in relations between Iran and China,” Rouhani said in a joint press conference with President Xi.

Rouhani said Iran attaches great importance to Xi’s trip to Iran, calling it a “historic event”.

“Ties with China are important to us,” the Iranian president said, adding that the two countries share close views on many international issues.

Rouhani also said he and his Chinese counterpart held talks on “intelligence sharing” in the fight against terrorism.

The two countries also exchanged views about “comprehensive strategic partnership” and formulation of a 25-year comprehensive cooperation document, the Iranian president stated.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting between the two presidents the two sides insisted on the need for campaign against terrorism and resolution of crises through dialogue.

Iran believes there is “no military solution” to the problems in Syria, and Yemen,” Rouhani noted.

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