Xi meets Iranian president in Bishkek
September 12, 2013, 3:17 pm

Both leaders are currently in Kyrgyzstan to attend the SCO Summit [Xinhua]

Both leaders are currently in Kyrgyzstan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

Iran’s legitimate rights should be respected, asserted President Xi, while lauding the recent positive signals sent out by the Iranian leadership.

The Chinese president said during the meeting with President Rouhani that the “nuclear issue is a vital one concerning Iran’s interests and regional peace and stability”.

Beijing has long opposed coercion in dealing with Tehran’s nuclear programme, stressing on dialogue and a negotiated settlement.

Rouhani reiterated Iran’s position on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, saying that the country will develop its nuclear plan under the framework of international law.

He told the Chinese leader that Iran is willing to accept the monitoring and supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to eliminate worries of the international community through cooperation.

“Iran hopes that China could continue to play a constructive role on the issue”, he said.

Earlier on Monday, Wang Min, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), told the UN Security Council that the Asian nation will oppose new sanctions against Iran.

“China has always opposed to the use and threat of use of force, we are not in favour of increased pressure or new sanctions against Iran,” Wang added.

After Rouhani was officially sworn in as president in August he said the “people have voted for moderation”.

However, the new president also said, “If you want the right response, don’t speak with Iran in the language of sanctions, speak in the language of respect.”

Major Western powers suspect Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons through its nuclear programme, which Tehran insists is for civilian purposes only.

The last round of high-level talks between Iran and the P5+1 powers (Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States plus Germany) was held in April but did not yield any results.

Xi on Thursday tried to boost ties between the two sides saying their cooperation not only “benefits the two peoples, but also is conducive to world and regional peace and stability at large”.

China is a member of the SCO, while Iran became an observer in 2005.

The 13th SCO Summit will be held on Friday.

Source: Agencies