On May 22, 2014, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Hassan Rouhani of Iran in Shanghai. The two heads of state jointly planned for the development of China-Iran relationship, and announced to join their hands to promote the friendly cooperation in all fields to a new high. Xi Jinping stressed that China is willing to continue its efforts for an early, comprehensive and proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.
Xi Jinping expressed that China and Iran enjoy a traditional friendship and enormous cooperation potentials. China attaches great importance to the bilateral relationship, and is willing to make joint efforts with Iran to uplift the China-Iran relations to a new high. The two sides should maintain high-level contacts and exchanges, promote bilateral exchanges between the two governments, parliaments, local and non-governmental sectors, deepen understanding and mutual trust, expand trade contacts and steadily promote cooperation in the fields of oil, gas and petrochemicals. In history, the two peoples carried out friendly exchanges through the Silk Road. China welcomes Iran to actively participate in the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Silk Road On the Sea of the 21st Century, bringing along the cooperation in infrastructure construction and other fields and start the projects such as high-speed railways and economic parks. The two sides should strengthen security cooperation, jointly combat terrorism, drug trafficking and transnational crimes. Both China and Iran boast their ancient civilizations, and should strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, set up cultural centers in each other's country as early as possible and promote cooperation in tourism.
Rouhani said that the development of the bilateral relations has been sped up since he met with President Xi Jinping in Bishkek last year. Iran-China friendly exchanges enjoy a long history and there is no obstacle in the current relations. He was optimistic about the bilateral cooperation. Iran values the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, energy and transportation infrastructure from a long-term perspective, and welcomes the Chinese enterprises to invest in Iran. Iran supports the bilateral cultural exchanges. China is an important force in promoting peace and development of Asia and the world at large. Iran congratulates the positive results achieved at the CICA Shanghai Summit, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China on the platform of CICA, joining efforts to fight against terrorism and extremist forces, maintaining regional security and stability.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China respects Iran's rights for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and always believes that dialogues and negotiations are the only way right and effective to properly resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. China welcomes the recent progress made in the dialogues on the Iranian nuclear issue, and hopes that all relevant parties continue their efforts and reach a comprehensive agreement at an early date. China is willing to continue the strengthening of communication and coordination with Iran and its constructive role in promoting the negotiation process.
Rouhani briefed Iran's position on the relevant issue. He emphasized that Iran should be guaranteed its legitimate rights and interests based on the "Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons". it is for the benefit of all sides to early achieve a comprehensive agreement through negotiations. Iran appreciates China's efforts in promoting peace talks and hopes that China continues to play a positive role.
Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Rouhani at the square of the Xijiao State Guest Hotel Conference Center in Shanghai.
Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others were present.