Iran and China pledged on Saturday to promote the development of bilateral relations in all fields.

 

During his talks with visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Lu Guozeng, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad commended China's achievements in its social construction and said that bilateral relations have undergone smooth development in recent years.

 

Iran views China as a friend and cooperation partner and hopes to strengthen its cooperation with China in all fields, Ahmadinejad said.

 

For his part, Lu said China attaches importance to developing relations with Iran and appreciates Iran's adherence to the "one China" policy.

 

"China is willing to work with Iran to further enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in such fields as politics, economy, trade and culture, " said Lu, who also discussed Iran's nuclear issue with the Iranian president.

 

Lu also met with Iran's Supreme Security Council secretary Ali Larijani and Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Safari on Saturday and had an in-depth and candid exchange of views on bilateral ties, international and regional issues of mutual concern as well as the Iranian nuclear issue.

 

Lu arrived?in Teheran Friday for a working visit at the invitation of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2006)