China congratulates Iran on its upcoming full Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) membership, and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation within the SCO framework, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Friday in Samarkand.

Xi stressed that China supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity, and is willing to work with Iran to uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Noting China and Iran enjoy a long-standing friendship, Xi pointed out bilateral relations have stood the test of a changing international landscape.

To consolidate and grow the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries is the common strategic choice of both sides, the Chinese president stressed, adding that China views its relations with Iran from a strategic and long-term perspective, and stands ready to increase strategic communication and coordination with Iran to push for new progress in bilateral ties.

Xi also called for efforts to actively implement their Comprehensive Cooperation Plan, advance Belt and Road cooperation and strive for more deliverables of cooperation.

China welcomes Iran's participation in the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI), he added.

The Chinese president also said China will take a constructive part in the negotiations on resuming the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and support Iran in safeguarding its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.

For his part, Raisi said the Iranian side is firmly committed to strengthening cooperation with China across the board and intensifying exchanges at various levels to further grow the Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Iranian president is convinced that under the leadership of President Xi, China will effectively safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and realize the great goal of building a modern country.

He also appreciates China's position of upholding fairness and justice in international affairs.

With Iran becoming a full member of the SCO, Iran and China will be better able to step up cooperation within multilateral frameworks at both regional and international levels, Raisi added.

He noted Iran supports cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the GDI and the GSI, and is prepared to work more closely with China to uphold true multilateralism.