OREANDA-NEWS. May 30, 2014. Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani who attended the CICA summit in Shanghai. The two presidents have agreed to push bilateral cooperation to a new stage.

Xi Jinping has called for more cooperation between the two governments and people-to people exchanges. Xi Jinping said the two countries should expand bilateral trade and push forward cooperation in oil and gas, as well as petrochemical industry.

Xi Jinping also said, China respects Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy. China insists that negotiation is the only right and effective way to solve Iran nuclear issues. President Xi has welcomed progress made in the recent nuclear talks. He voiced hope that relevant parties continue their efforts to ink a comprehensive agreement. Xi Jinping said China is willing to enhance communication with Iran and play a constructive role in pushing forward the nuclear talks.

President Rouhani reiterated Iran’s stance on its nuclear program, saying Iran enjoys the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Rouhani stressed a comprehensive agreement would benefit all parties.