Following Iranian election, China hopes to strengthen relations

World Today

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the importance of the Sino-Iran relationship in a message to newly re-elected Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

During Rouhani’s first term, the two nations significantly developed bilateral ties. With the outcome of the election, this partnership is set to grow further.

CGTN’s Su Yuting reports.

The destiny of the country is without a doubt in the hands of Iranians, but it’s also drawn the attention of China.

China and Iran established diplomatic relations in 1971.

Since then, the two nations have enjoyed a robust trade relationship, as China has been Iran’s top trading partner.

Luckily for both countries, analysts believe that no matter the outcome of the election, the foundation of cooperation will remain unchanged.

The Iran nuclear issue has been a major concern for relevant parties.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was signed in July 2015 and went into force in January 2016.

The agreement lifted a variety of international sanctions on Iran, in exchange for limitations on Tehran’s nuclear program.

China and Iran have urged all countries involved in the nuclear agreement with Iran, to comply with the deal.

“China is one of the partners in the negotiation process. We hope they have solved this problem with the mechanisms,” Li Guofu, director of the Middle East Studies Center at the China Institute of International Studies said.

Now, China’s Belt and Road Initiative has offered a whole new range of opportunities for China and Iran to renew their ancient bonds and links.

China is the world’s largest developing country, while Iran is an influential regional power in the Middle East.