Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at a press conference following the announcement of the landmark Iran nuclear deal in Vienna, Austria, on July 14, 2015. (Photo/Xinhua)
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed the hope the implementation of the landmark Iran nuclear deal will open up new prospects for cooperation between China and Iran.
Speaking in Vienna, Wang Yi admitted that China-Iran ties have been affected by the Iranian nuclear issue.
But he adds the traditional friendship and highly complementary economic ties between the two countries are the basis of their cooperation.
He says Iran played a pivotal role in the historic Silk Road, and he hopes Iran will soon take part in the "Belt and Road" initiatives proposed by China.
"Both the Iranian leaders and communities speak highly of the 'One Belt, One Road' initiatives proposed by President Xi, and want to actively participate in the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt. We hope we can open up new prospects for cooperation between China and Iran through the implementation of the nuclear agreement."
At the same time, the Chinese Foreign Minister says China will play an important role in the modification of Iran's Arak heavy water reactor, one of the core issues in the nuclear negotiation.
"We've decided that the six parties will set up a joint work group co-chaired by China and the United States. As China has put forward the idea of the modification of the Arak heavy water reactor, we would promote this process while enhancing communication with Iran."
Wang Yi says the idea of the modification of the Arak facility was the unique role China played in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue.
