Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Baqeri met Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu in Tehran on Sunday.

In the first round of talks, the two sides discussed the issue of bilateral ties as well as regional and international developments.

The Chinese official urged continuation of exchanging views between Iran and China. Ma Zhaoxu defended Beijing's economic ties with Iran, and announced that the country will keep its normal ties with Tehran despite US pressures.

The Chinese diplomat is also visiting in a bid to boost multilateral talks on Iranian nuclear issue.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said the purpose of his two-day visit to Tehran, which began on Sunday, was to "candidly discuss" the Iran nuclear issue with Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Baqeri.

Moreover, Baqeri and Ma Zhaoxu discussed the much expected negotiations between Tehran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent U.N. Security Council members plus Germany.)

In the meeting, the Chinese deputy foreign minister expressed the hope that the upcoming meeting between the Islamic Republic of Iran and G5+1 would lead to expansion of cooperation between the two sides.

China is standing firm to its position saying that the only way to resolve the conflict is through dialogue and cooperation.

 

Sources: IRNA, ISNA, Mehr News Agency, Reuters, RT