Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Iran on the Establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Upon the invitation by His Excellency Mr. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Excellency Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, paid an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran on 22 to 23 January 2016.

The two Heads of State deeply exchanged views on cooperation in all fields of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest under an amicable and cordial atmosphere and thus reached extensive agreements.

During their over two thousand years old history of bilateral ties, China and Iran have both played important roles in spreading friendly cooperation along the Silk Road as well as in facilitation and expansion of the world trade.

During the 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries on 16 August 1971, bilateral ties have witnessed outstanding achievements in political, economic, cultural and defense areas.

Currently the regional and international situation is experiencing deep and complex developments. Under such circumstances, the two sides emphasize the importance of cooperation between the developing countries on international affairs and are committed to joint efforts towards realization of peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large.

In view of the actual needs of upgrading the level of bilateral relations under the new conditions, both sides thus agree to establish relations based on "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" under which framework they shall further expand bilateral cooperation in the following domains:

A-Political Domain

1- Both sides believe that under the current conditions of deepening multilaterization of the international order and globalization of the economy, the bilateral ties between China and Iran have gained strategic importance and the two sides regard each other as important strategic partners and thus designate the expansion of bilateral relations as a priority of their respective foreign policies.

Appropriate and constant expansion of bilateral ties conforms to the common interests of both countries and contributes to safeguarding the regional and global peace, stability and development.