Chinese leader in Iran to discuss economy, regional crisis
ANKARA - Chinese President Xi Jinping met his Iranian counterpart on Saturday in Tehran, where they will discuss how to improve economic and political ties after international sanctions on Iran were lifted.
Xi was welcomed by President Hassan Rouhani in Sa'dabad palace in northern Tehran. The Chinese president will meet Iran's most powerful figure, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, later in the day.
"China is seeking to improve bilateral ties with Iran to start a new season of comprehensive, long-term and sustainable relations with the Islamic Republic," President Xi was quoted as saying by Iran's state news agency, IRNA, on his arrival in Tehran on Friday night.
"Some 16 accords, including a strategic cooperation agreement, will be signed during the Chinese President's Iran visit," Deputy Foreign Minister Ebrahim Rahimpour said, according to state television.
Trade between Iran and China stood at around $52 billion in 2014, Rahimpour said, but falling oil prices caused it to drop last year.
