Chinese Ambassador to Iran Chang Hua. (Tehran Times)

China's Ambassador to Tehran, Chang Hua, has praised the current state of cooperation between China and Iran across various domains, and expressed optimism about further enhancing these ties. He shared these sentiments during a meeting on Saturday with Mohammad Sadeq Motamedian, the Governor of West Azarbaijan Province in northwestern Iran, as reported by IRNA.

Chang highlighted the significant opportunities for collaboration between China and West Azarbaijan Province, particularly in international trade with Europe, mining activities, and shared experiences in environmental conservation.

He noted that an agreement has been signed to bolster China's trade with Europe through Iran, and he emphasized the potential for utilizing West Azarbaijan Province's resources and its connection to the Silk Road for this purpose. Furthermore, Chang suggested the expansion of joint efforts in the tourism sector, given Iran's abundant tourist attractions.

In response, Motamedian emphasized the substantial capacities of West Azarbaijan Province in international trade, positioning it as a potential gateway to Europe for Iran. He underscored the province's railway network leading to Turkey and Europe, which can facilitate the transportation of goods from East Asia to Europe. Motamedian also highlighted the potential of the Chabahar-Maku corridor for transferring Chinese goods to Europe, thus reducing costs and transportation time.

Motamedian emphasized that West Azarbaijan Province's advantageous geographical position provides optimal access to Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea, thereby fostering trade cooperation.

The governor pointed out that the province possesses rich mineral resources, agricultural potential, and tourism attractions, all of which offer avenues for deeper collaboration with China.

China stands as Iran's largest trading partner, with both nations navigating varying levels of illegal sanctions imposed by the United States. Their relationship has grown stronger, especially following the US' re-imposition of sanctions on Iran's economy in 2018 after withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear agreement.

In March 2021, the two countries established a landmark 25-year partnership agreement to strengthen their longstanding economic and political alliance. This deal, initially announced during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Tehran in 2016, outlines the framework for cooperation between China and Iran in various domains for the next 25 years.