Top legislator meets with Iranian president

Wu Bangguo (L), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, shakes hands with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Tehran, Iran, Sept 11, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

China on Tuesday said it opposes sanctions or the threat of using force on Iran for its nuclear program, reiterating peace talks are the right way to properly resolve the issue.

During a meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday afternoon, China's top legislator Wu Bangguo said China opposes any country in the Middle East region developing and possessing nuclear weapons, but China considers the right of a country to peacefully use nuclear energy should be guaranteed.

Wu said China is against merely sanctions and high pressures, or the threat of using force.

He reiterated that China always believes dialogue and cooperation is the right way to properly resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, and is willing to play a constructive role in it.

Wu also said China hopes Iran continues adopting a flexible and pragmatic approach on the issue, and promoting talks with six countries, including the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany, to generate substantial results.

Ahmadinejad said Iran is willing to resolve the nuclear problem through dialogue and cooperation, and would like to keep in touch with all parties concerned.

Iran has been heavily criticized and sanctioned by the United States and the European Union for its nuclear program.

Reuters reported that some EU countries including Britain, France and Germany called on EU members on Friday to impose new sanctions on Iran. In its latest round of sanctions, the EU imposed an oil embargo on Iran and agreed to a freeze on the assets of the Central Bank of Iran starting July 1.

Canada also shut its embassy in Teheran on Friday, severing diplomatic relations and ordering Iranian diplomats to leave.

However, Iran has insisted that its nuclear activities are peaceful and are being carried out under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Wu, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, started his first-ever visit to Iran on Sunday. It has also been the first time in 16 years that China's top legislator has visited this Islamic country.

During Tuesday's meeting, Wu also said China and Iran should strengthen friendly exchanges between governments, parliaments and organizations at all levels.

He proposed the two governments improve communication and coordination to solve some existing problems in economic and trade cooperation, and some projects be carried forward.

The two countries shall also expand cooperation in culture, education, health and tourism, Wu said, adding that China welcomes Iran Culture Week to be held in China when the time is proper.

Ahmadinejad spoke highly of China's constructive role in international and regional issues, and said Iran would like to expand cooperation with China in economy and trade, energy, agriculture and infrastructure.

Before meeting Ahmadinejad, Wu also held talks with Iranian parliament leader Ali Larijani and Vice-President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi on Monday.

On Wednesday, Wu will finish his three-day visit to Iran and leave for Naypyidaw, Myanmar, to continue his trip in the Asia-Pacific region.

Contact the writer at zhuzhe@chinadaily.com.cn