China Keen to Boost Economic Ties with Iran
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – China's Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli voiced his country's willingness to further promote economic ties with Tehran as a Beijing's important partner.
In a Tuesday meeting with visiting Iranian Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Ali Tayyebnia, the Chinese official said Beijing seeks closer cooperation with Tehran in different economic arenas.
He said that Iran is an important partner for China, adding that his country highly values friendly ties with the Islamic Republic, Press TV reported on Wednesday.
Zhang also lauded Tehran-Beijing cooperation in other sectors.
Tayyebnia, for his part, said Iran attaches great significance to its ties with China.
He said that Iran hopes to further develop cooperation with China in economy, finance, trade, investment and energy.
Tayyebnia, who paid an official visit to China to discuss economic ties, earlier on Monday held a meeting with Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei.
He said that Iran is ready to meet Chinese needs for energy and welcomes Chinese investment in its development projects.
Lou, for his part, expressed satisfaction with the growing trend of cooperation between Tehran and Beijing, saying Chinese officials have always made efforts to promote economic ties with Iran.
China has become Iran’s largest trading partner and top oil consumer. The Islamic Republic is currently China's third largest supplier of crude.
