Xi: Iran nuclear deal should be implemented earnestly

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has described the Iran nuclear deal as an important outcome of multilateralism and said it should continue to be implemented earnestly.

Xi said the agreement is conducive to safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East and the international non-proliferation regime.

He made the remarks on Sunday during talks with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani after attending the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the coastal city of Qingdao in eastern China's Shandong Province.

Rouhani acknowledged that the Iran nuclear deal is currently facing challenges and said he expects the international community, including China, to play a positive role in properly dealing with the relevant issues.

The US withdrew from the multinational agreement last month.

Xi told the Iranian leader that China consistently stands for the peaceful settlement of international disputes and hotspot issues and is ready to strengthen cooperation with Iran under multilateral frameworks and promote the building of a new type of international relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani in Qingdao, June 10, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

China and Iran should boost pragmatic cooperation focusing on the Belt and Road Initiative, promote law enforcement and security cooperation centering on counter-terrorism, and deepen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation with the aim to enhance China-Iran friendship, the Chinese president added.

Noting that there is potential for China and Iran to deepen their relations, Xi said China is ready to work with Iran to jointly promote the steady and long-term development of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi called upon the two sides to take deepening political relations as the overarching principle to continuously enhance strategic mutual trust, increase exchanges at all levels, and continue to understand and support each other on issues of major concern involving their respective core interests.

Rouhani offered his congratulations on the successful conclusion of the SCO Qingdao Summit.

Xi's visit to Iran two years ago significantly elevated bilateral relations, said Rouhani, adding that Iran feels happy about the smooth development of the Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

Iran is willing to deepen pragmatic cooperation in various areas with China, as well as implement cooperation agreements on jointly building the Belt and Road, the Iranian president said.

After the talks, Xi and Rouhani witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency