国内英语新闻:Chinese top legislator calls for advancing China-Iran ties

BEIJING, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu held talks on Monday with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf via video link, saying the two countries should implement the important consensus by the two heads of state and promote the continued development of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership.

Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Iran developed steadily in recent years with the support from the two countries' top leaders.

"China stands ready to work with Iran to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the continued development of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership," he said.

Li suggested that the two countries should deepen mutual political trust, strengthen strategic communication, and firmly support each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns. He called on both sides to continue anti-epidemic cooperation and jointly promote global and regional public health security.

He stressed that the two countries should advance practical cooperation in various fields within the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism and combating transnational crime. He also suggested expanding exchanges on culture and tourism.

China and Iran should also jointly promote regional peace and stability, continue communication and coordination, resolve the concerns of all countries through equal consultations and jointly maintain regional security and stability, Li said.

Li also said under the new situations, the NPC will continue to strengthen friendly exchanges with the Iranian parliament.

Qalibaf said Iran stands ready to strengthen the practical cooperation with China on politics, economy and trade, and anti-epidemic efforts, and further enhance communication and cooperation on global and regional issues. The Iranian parliament is willing to deepen exchanges and mutual learning with the NPC and make positive contributions to the development of bilateral relations.