Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to support Iran in its push to find a proper resolution to its nuclear issue.
Mr Xi told Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday that Beijing backed the protection of Tehran's rights and the early resolution of the issue as Mr Raisi began a three-day state visit to China.
It is the first state visit to the country by an Iranian president in more than 20 years.
“China will continue to constructively participate in the negotiations on resuming Iran's nuclear agreement,” Mr Xi said.
Mr Xi hailed Beijing's “solidarity” with Iran during the meeting.
“In the face of the current complex changes in the world, times, and history, China and Iran have supported each other [and] worked together in solidarity and co-operation,” state broadcaster CCTV quoted him as saying.
The Iranian leader received a red carpet greeting, with 21 cannons fired and the national anthems of Iran and China played during the welcoming ceremony, Iranian state media Irna reported.
The visit is designed to boost trade and economic ties between the two countries.
The Iranian delegation in Beijing included Mr Raisi's central bank chief and ministers for oil and mining.
He is expected to sign a number of “co-operation documents”, Tehran has said.
Iran and China have strong economic ties, particularly in energy, transit, agriculture, trade and investment.
In 2021, the countries signed a 25-year “strategic co-operation pact”.
Both countries face pressure from western nations over their positions on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which started about a year ago, and Iran is already under strict US sanctions due to its nuclear programme.
Iran has emerged as one of Russia's few remaining allies as Moscow has been pushed deeper into international isolation over the invasion.
RESULT
Valencia 3
Kevin Gameiro 21', 51'
Ferran Torres 67'
Atlanta 4
Josip Llicic 3' (P), 43' (P), 71', 82'
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
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Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
