Beijing, April 22nd—Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a study group of the Iranian Expediency Discernment Council of the System led by Hadad Adel, member of the Council and former Speaker of the Parliament.

Song expressed that both China and Iran are ancient civilizations and share a time-honored friendship. President Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to Iran in 2016, during which the two countries established comprehensive strategic partnership. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Iranian side to well implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, increase strategic mutual trust and push practical cooperation in such areas including the Belt and Road Initiative. The CPC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Expediency Discernment Council to further consolidate the political foundation of China-Iran relations.

Adel said that the Iranian side attaches great importance to developing its relations with China and is willing to, together with the Chinese side, well implement the consensus on developing bilateral relations reached by leaders of the two countries. He highly praised the Belt and Road Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping and believed that the forthcoming second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will surely achieve a complete success.

Li Jun, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, attended the meeting.

Enditem