Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 15
By Khalid Kazimov - Trend:
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi took part in a joint press conference after their meeting in Tehran, IRNA news agency reported on Feb. 15.
"During today's two and a half hour meeting we talked about various mutual issues, international affairs, the nuclear case, and expansion of relations," Zarif noted.
"We have much hope in China's role in reaching a good solution to the nuclear case. So far our Chinese friends have been playing their role well and have offered good initiatives. We hope that this will continue," he said.
While speaking about the history of Iran-China relations, I know that the two countries hold close stances on many, if not all, issues, the Iranian FM stressed.
He expressed hope that through firm will on both sides of the nuclear negotiations, a comprehensive deal will be made among Iran and the 5+1 countries (US, France, UK, Russia, China, Canada, and Germany).
"We are going to follow the major part of the negotiation programs scheduled for the next month and will hold a meeting with the 5+1 group time," Zarif noted.
The Iranian FM further expressed happiness about a surge in diplomatic visits between Iran and China one year and a half during President Rouhani's administration term and pointed out that the two countries attach special significance to mutual long-term plans.
The talks between Iran and the P5+1 group have been extended until July 1, 2015 to reach a comprehensive nuclear agreement.
After the sides failed to meet the 24 Nov. 2014 deadline they also extended the Geneva nuclear deal, which was signed in November 2013 for providing Iran with some sanctions relief in exchange for Tehran agreeing to limit certain aspects of its nuclear activities.
The US and its Western allies suspect Iran of developing a nuclear weapon - something that Iran denies.