China continues ‘constructive’ role in nuclear talks: Envoy

Chinese Ambassador to Iran Pang Sen says his country will continue its ‘constructive’ and ‘fair’ role in nuclear talks between Iran and Group 5+1, AVA Diplomatic reports.

In a meeting aimed to strengthen Iran-China relations held at Chinese Embassy in Tehran on Monday, the ambassador said Beijing believes that all countries, including Iran, are entitled to nuclear technology.

He said the only solution to Iran’s nuclear issue is ‘negotiation’, expressing hope that a comprehensive agreement could be achieved before the deadline.

He announced that the Chinese president plans to take a trip to Tehran in the current year, adding that the two sides are consulting to set the date of the visit.

On exchange of prisoners, Pang said the two countries have signed an agreement on expatriation of the convicts. Beijing is determined to boost cooperation with Iran on transferring prisoners and confronting organized crimes, he added.

On accepting Iran as an official member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the ambassador said a resolution adopted in November 2014, made it possible to increase the number of SCO members. He reiterated that his country supports Iran’s request to join the organization.

On events in Syria, he said Beijing, in cooperation with Moscow and in confrontation with terrorism, supports the government of Syria.

Referring to trade exchanges between the two countries, Pang said the exchanges have increased remarkably during the past 11 months.

On Chinese low-quality commodities abundant in Iranian markets, the ambassador said Iranian importers should behave responsibly. ‘China produces both high and low quality products. Goods exported from China to Iran follow the rules of market.’

He said revival of Silk Road is the common demand of Tehran and Beijing, adding the two countries have great potentials for mutual cooperation.

Pang added that China and Iran have historical relations and both share common stances on regional issues such as Syria, Afghanistan, fighting terrorism, and helping promotion of peace in the Middle East and North Africa.