Iran Ready to Expand Relations with Northwestern Chinese Province

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran voiced preparedness to develop ties with the Muslim-populated Northwestern Chinese province of Xinjiang.
Tehran's willingness to expand ties with the Chinese province was announced during a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi and Xinjiang Governor-General Mohammad Nour Abu-Bakr.

Following the meeting, the Iranian foreign minister told reporters that he had invited the Chinese provincial officials to visit Iran and that they had welcomed his invitation.

The minister further noted the high industrial and agricultural potentials and capabilities of Xinjiang province, and urged for the expansion of mutual cooperation between Iran and Xinjiang province in these areas.

"'Relations between Iran and China's Xinjiang province date back to ancient Silk Road," he added.

The Muslim-populated Chinese province of Xinjiang with a population of 21 million is located in northwestern China. Xinjiang is one of China's important agricultural and industrial hubs.

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi left for Beijing at the head of a delegation on Sunday.

During his stay in Beijing, Salehi is due to meet with senior Chinese officials to discuss bilateral ties and explore avenues for the expansion of mutual cooperation between the two states.

The Iranian foreign minister and the Chinese officials are also due to exchange views on the latest developments in the region.

Salehi will then leave Beijing for Indonesia to attend the 16th ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Bali.

The Iranian foreign minister will also attend a joint meeting with his Egyptian and Cuban counterparts on the sidelines of the NAM meeting.