FNA - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in a telephone conversation discussed the latest situation in West Asia, and underlined the need for broadening of mutual cooperation in fighting the terrorist groups.

�The two sides discussed the situation in the middle East, as well as regional issues; Wang stressed that the Chinese side will make unremitting efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, continue to adopt principled and fair position on global and regional issues and play a positive and constructive role in the UN Security Council on the relevant issues,� the Chinese foreign ministry announced in a statement on Saturday.


The two sides also exchanged views on bilateral ties.


In a relevant development on Friday, Iranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri called on the country's ministries of foreign affairs and economy to take practical and long-term measures to broaden trade relations with China.


"Promotion of commercial and economic cooperation with China is among main pivots of Iran's policy; so efforts need to be made for lifting impediments hindering expansion of economic and trade relations between Tehran and Beijing," Jahangiri said in a meeting with officials from ministries of foreign affairs and economy.


He underlined that China is Iran's major trade partner, and said, "Clear direction and definite framework need to be drawn for the expansion of commercial and economic ties with China."


In relevant remarks earlier this month, Chairman of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi underlined that China has voiced willingness to invest in the lucrative projects of Iran's infrastructural sector.


"The Chinese have repeatedly stressed their support for the (2015) nuclear deal (between Tehran and the world powers) and opposition to the US approach towards it," Boroujerdi said after heading a three-day visit by an Iranian parliamentary delegation to China.


"During meetings with the Chinese officials, we talked about the infrastructural railway projects which are a priority in transportation between cities and the Chinese declared their willingness for investment," he added.


Boroujerdi said that Beijing is ready to implement important projects in Iran, including Tehran-Mashhad and Tehran-Tabriz railway for high-speed trains.


His remarks came as reports said in January that the trade exchanges between Iran and China increased 20.5% in the first 11 months of 2017, showing a positive trend for both countries.