2016/01/17

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran's ambassador to China says energy will be the chief topic of discussion during the Chinese President's visit to Tehran.

Addressing a press conference at Iran's embassy in Beijing Friday night, Ali Asghar Khaji described Tehran-Beijing ties as strategic, saying that the Chinese president's upcoming visit to Tehran is of great importance in terms of boosting mutual ties leading to restoration of international and regional peace, stability and security. 

"Iran and China, as two internationally influential countries, share common interests and goals in boosting mutual ties and this visit will deepen the ties," Khaji said.

He said the outcome of the visit will benefit both the Iranian nation and the Chinese, IRNA reported. 

Khaji said President Xi Jinping will discuss numerous topics during his visit to Tehran including regional developments, and mutual and strategic energy ties. 

Beside Tehran, Xi Jinping will also pay a visit to Saudi Arabia and Egypt in an unusual visit on Jan. 19-23 to push for restoration of stability in the Middle East from which Beijing supplies most of its oil needs.

A Chinese president has not visited Saudi Arabia since 2009 when Hu Jintao went, and Jiang Zemin was the last Chinese president to visit Iran, going in 2002.