Chinese premier calls for concerted efforts to implement Iran nuclear deal

Premier Li Keqiang called for concerted efforts to implement the nuclear deal reached between Iran and world powers in July as he met with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif on Tuesday.

The deal on the Iranian nuclear issue is significant for peace and stability in the Middle East as well as for the resolution of other international and regional problems, Li said during the meeting at the Great Hall of the People.

"[I] hope all sides will make concerted efforts to implement the deal," Li said.

The P5+1 group -- the U.S., Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany -- reached a comprehensive nuclear deal with Iran in July. The accord will provide sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for limits on its controversial nuclear program.

China, as a responsible major power, will play a constructive role in appropriately resolving the Iranian nuclear issue, said the premier.

Li said that China attached importance to the relationship with Iran and will handle bilateral ties from a strategic perspective. He pledged that China would work with Iran to maintain regional peace and stability, including in the neighborhood of the two nations.

As Iran is in a critical period of infrastructure improvement and industrialization, Li said that China, with its equipment and technology advantages, can cooperate with Iran on industrial capacity in pursuit of win-win reciprocity.

China will also cooperate with Iran on energy in an all-round, long-term and stable way, Li added.

Zarif said the Iranian side was appreciative of China's constructive role in negotiations on the nuclear issue. He hoped China would continue to play a positive role in the comprehensive implementation of the deal.

Hailing the good political relationship and close coordination in regional and international affairs between Iran and China, Zarif said there was great potential for the two nations to cooperate in energy, transportation, trade and other sectors.

Iran attaches great importance to the relationship with China and will grasp new opportunities to boost cooperation between the two countries, said the foreign minister.