Iran President Raisi meets Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister

TEHRAN-Iran President Ebrahim Raisi met with the visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Raisi called for expanding the areas of cooperation between the two countries and strengthening all-round cooperation, including in the military field.

The Iranian president said that Iran and China share similar positions in international affairs and support each other.

In a statement, Raisi said that Iran, which opposes unilateralism, hegemonism and external interference, firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests, while expressing its gratitude to China for its long-term support and assistance during Iran's difficult times.

Wei said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Raisi exchanged telephone calls and letters since last year, leading to new progress in building the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Chinese minister said that his visit to Iran, despite the current turbulent international situation, reflected the importance of the Chinese-Iran relations, their firm mutual support and joint progress.

He expressed China's strong support to Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity, and willingness to cooperate with Iran to deal with various risks and challenges, safeguard common interests, and jointly maintain regional and global peace and stability.

In recent years, Chinese and Iranian militaries have expanded the areas of cooperation, according to Wei, and the Chinese military is willing to maintain strategic communication with Iran, make good use of the cooperation mechanisms, and boost pragmatic collaboration to lift the bilateral military ties to a higher level.

Wei had separate meetings with the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri and Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani earlier in the day.

The two sides exchanged views on regional and international security situations, Iran's nuclear issue and Ukraine's situation during the meetings. They also reached consensus on expanding high-level strategic communication, deepening military exchanges, and conducting joint exercises and personnel trainings.