China, Iran lift bilateral ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran, Iran, Jan 23, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

China and Iran upgraded their ties to form a comprehensive strategic partnership, visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday, calling it a "new season" in bilateral relations.

Xi is the first Chinese president to visit Iran in 14 years. He has visited Saudi Arabia and Egypt as well during a Middle East tour that began on Jan 19.

China and Iran have no fundamental conflicts, and there are only consistent mutual support and mutual benefit between them, President Xi said.

In history, there had been no wars or disputes between the two nations, and the two nations had conducted time-honored friendly exchanges and sincere cooperation, Xi told his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rouhani.

"The China-Iran friendship... has stood the test of the vicissitudes of the international landscape," Xi said.

China hopes the Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), can be implemented smoothly, President Xi said. Meanwhile, he said China is willing to see Iran strike a brand-new pose on regional and international stages.

"We are happy that President Xi visited Iran after the lifting of sanctions," Rouhani said at the news conference with Xi broadcast live on state television.

Both countries signed a dozen accords on Saturday, including agreements on a revival of the ancient Silk Road trade route.

The two countries also agreed to oppose all kinds of use of force or threatening with the use of force, imposing unjust sanctions against other countries, and terrorism in any form.

Both countries believe that controversial or acute international issues should be resolved through negotiations and political dialogue, according to a joint statement signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Iran.