China's Xi hails Iran 'solidarity' during 'complex' world situation

Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed Beijing's "solidarity" with Iran, as he hosted the Islamic Republic's President Ebrahim Raisi at the start of a three-day visit.

In the first state visit by an Iranian president to China in more than 20 years, Raisi brought a large trade and finance delegation to Beijing and was greeted by Xi on a red carpet.

Beijing and Tehran have strong economic ties and in 2021 signed a 25-year "strategic cooperation pact".

Both countries face pressure from Western nations over their positions on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while Iran is already under strict US sanctions due to its nuclear programme.

China "supports Iran in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity... and in resisting unilateralism and hegemonism," Xi said.

Beijing also "opposes external forces interfering in Iran's internal affairs and undermining Iran's security and stability", and will continue to "promote the early and proper resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue", the Chinese leader said.

"No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran", Xi added.

The two sides signed "a number of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of agriculture, trade, tourism, environmental protection, health, disaster relief, culture, and sports".

Raisi will take part in meetings with Chinese businessmen and Iranians living in the country.