Chinese President: Seeking a 'New Chapter' in Relations with Iran

Xi Jinping, the President of China, who is currently in Tehran, expressed hope that the lifting of sanctions would open a 'new chapter' in relations between China and Iran. According to the Associated Press, he also stated that his country seeks to establish 'strategic relations,' particularly in the energy sector with Iran. The Chinese President, who arrived in Tehran for a two-day visit on Friday, made these remarks on Saturday, February 22, after meeting with his Iranian counterpart in a joint press conference. This is the first visit by the highest-ranking Chinese official to Tehran in 14 years. Meanwhile, according to the IRNA news agency, Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, also mentioned in the joint press conference that, 'Today we discussed the strategic relations between the two countries, the preparation of a comprehensive 25-year document, and the elevation of bilateral relations to $600 billion over the next 10 years.' The Iranian news network also reported that during the meeting of the two presidents at the Saadabad complex in Tehran, 17 cooperation documents were signed between Iran and China. Among these cooperation documents are 'a memorandum of understanding to enhance the economic belt of the Silk Road and establish a 21st-century maritime Silk Road,' 'a memorandum of understanding between the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization and China's Atomic Energy Agency regarding cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy,' and 'a treaty between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of China on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.' The Chinese President began his five-day trip to the Middle East on Tuesday, having visited Saudi Arabia and Egypt before arriving in Iran. Xi Jinping is also scheduled to meet with Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, on Saturday evening. According to IRNA, Hassan Rouhani stated in the joint press conference with his Chinese counterpart that 'today we reviewed all bilateral, regional, and international issues.' He added, 'We discussed financial and banking issues, the credits needed for investors from both countries to invest in each other, and long-term contracts in energy and investment in the mining industry, energy, etc., in public and private sessions.' The Iranian President emphasized, 'In addition to economic issues, we discussed scientific matters, new technologies, cultural, tourism, and security and defense issues.' Hassan Rouhani added, 'The topics of terrorism, combating extremism and violence, and addressing the conflicts that have plagued the region were emphasized in the bilateral dialogue.' Rouhani stated, 'Establishing stability and security in the Middle East and consulting and assisting countries affected by terrorism, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, as well as the intellectual and informational support needed in the fight against terrorism were part of the discussions.' According to statistics from the Chinese Customs Administration, China has been Iran's primary economic partner in recent years, with the trade volume between the two countries reaching $52 billion in 2014. In 2014, China also accounted for 36% of Iran's total foreign trade.