At the end of Ayatollah Raisi's visit to China, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of China issued a joint statement, while firmly supporting the issues related to fundamental interests and protecting each other's national sovereignty, territorial integrity and honour, emphasised the importance of close relations between the leaders of the two countries in order to deepen comprehensive strategic partnership.
In the joint statement of Iran and China, the two sides agreed to accelerate the implementation of the comprehensive cooperation programme and continue to increase cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, industry, renewable energy, infrastructure, etc. in the 18th meeting of the Joint Trade and Economic Committee of Iran-China that is going to be held in Tehran in 2023".
In this statement, the two sides reiterated once again that the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA is the main cause of the current situation, and emphasised that the lifting of sanctions and ensuring Iran's economic interests is a fundamental part of the JCPOA and that all relevant sanctions must be lifted in a verifiable manner to facilitate the resumption of the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA.
The two sides also firmly stood against the efforts of certain governments to politicise the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the implementation of safeguards agreements.
The two sides declared supported for each other in promoting indigenous development and socio-economic prosperity and agreed to share more experiences in the fields of governance, reform and development.
The Presidents emphasised that the close strategic ties are the historical choice of Iran and China as two ancient civilisations in East and West Asia that provide the interests of the entire region.
The two sides reiterated their strong support for issues related to each other's basic interests and declared their firm support for protection of each other's national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national honour.
The two sides emphasised the importance of peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region in international security and energy flow. The Chinese side appreciated Iran's important role in maintaining global energy security.
While praising the strategic importance of the meetings of the foreign ministers of the two countries, the two sides agreed to maintain a close partnership between the foreign ministers.
In the field of security and defence, both sides condemned all forms of terrorism and terrorist attacks against civilians. They expressed their opposition to the application of double standards in the fight against terrorism and linking terrorism to any particular religion and ethnic group.
The two sides, while considering the assistance and sacrifices of the two countries in the fight against terrorism, agreed to increase cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism to promote regional and international peace and security.
The two sides agreed to strengthen the strategic communication between the defence sectors and to follow the exchanges and cooperation of the military forces at all levels and in different areas and to expand the holding of joint military exercises, training and personnel training.
Regarding developmental and economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to accelerate the implementation of the comprehensive cooperation programme and continue to increase cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, industry, renewable energy, infrastructure, etc.
The two sides agreed that the 18th meeting of the Iran-China Joint Trade and Economic Committee will be held in Tehran in 2023.
The two sides firmly believe in the usefulness of agricultural cooperation for the social and economic development of Iran and China, and considered extensive and close cooperation in agriculture to benefit the people of the two countries.
The Chinese side announced its readiness to help the Iranian side to improve food security and production capacity of agricultural products. The Chinese side agreed to use various resources including assistance, technical exchanges, trade and economic cooperation to build modern agricultural joint laboratories and implement pilot projects in agricultural technology cooperation.
The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the memorandum of understanding to strengthen industrial and mining capacities and to invest and develop cooperation with the aim of increasing the share of renewable energy in Iran, especially in the production of photovoltaic electricity.
The Iranian side warmly welcomed and supported the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping and declared its readiness to fully participate in these initiatives.
The two sides agreed to invite 50 prominent personalities from political parties, media and think tanks to mutually exchange experiences and views on governance in 2023.
While paying special attention to common concerns about climate change, the two sides agreed to promote cooperation in the field of environmental protection, dealing with air pollution and issues such as fine dust.
Regarding cultural and educational cooperation, in order to strengthen bilateral relations and achieve the goals set in the Iran-China comprehensive cooperation programme, the two sides agreed to expand comprehensive cooperation in the field of health, science and technology.
The two sides agreed to provide more facilities for Iranian students living in China and offer mutual scholarships.
The Chinese side welcomed the announcement of the abandonment of Iran's visas for Chinese tourists and the two sides agreed to inject a new impetus to cultural exchanges, people-to-people communication and tourism between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to accelerate the signing of cultural, artistic and educational exchange programmes between the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of China for the years 2023-2026.
The two sides decided to hold the year of Iran-China cultural exchanges and tourism as soon as agreed upon by the parties, and to increase mutual understanding and cultural recognition between the people of Iran and China.
In the issue of human rights, both sides stated that each nation has its own unique history, culture and national characteristics and social system and level of social and economic development; Human rights must be protected according to the realities and values of each country and the needs of its people.
Reiterating their commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, the two sides emphasised that all governments should respect the indigenous models of democratic governance in different countries.
The two sides recognised the necessity of maximum participation of all countries in determining the common destiny of humanity and stated that in this interconnected world, the security, development and welfare of all governments are mutually dependent on each other.
The two sides paid attention to the fact that in today's world, new challenges and future needs require new initiatives and multilateral arrangements.
The two sides once again reiterated that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), approved in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, is useful for ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. The unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA is the main cause of the current situation. They emphasised that lifting sanctions and ensuring Iran's economic interests is an essential and basic part of the JCPOA, and all related sanctions should be lifted in a verifiable manner to facilitate the resumption of full and effective implementation of the JCPOA.
Reiterating their firm support for the creation of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, the two sides recalled the approval of the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference on the importance of Israel joining the Non-Proliferation Treaty and placing all nuclear facilities under the comprehensive safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The two sides emphasised the importance of disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons for world peace and emphasised their respect for the inalienable rights of all non-proliferation treaty member states to develop nuclear science and technology and obtain nuclear materials, technology and equipment for peaceful purposes.
The two sides firmly stood against the efforts of certain governments to politicise the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the implementation of safeguards agreements.
The two sides emphasised the prohibition of armed attacks against peaceful nuclear facilities and activities in accordance with Resolution No. GC(XXXIV)RES/533, which was adopted by the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in October 1990.
Both sides emphasised that the international community should support the principle "by Syrians, for Syrians", respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, adhere to the inclusive political process and reconciliation, improve the humanitarian situation, accelerate the reconstruction process in Syria, and effectively fight terrorism.
Both sides firmly support the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore the legitimate rights and interests of their nation and the right to self-determination.
Both sides declared their support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen and supported the United Nations in playing a just and fair role and as the main mediation channel.
The two sides welcomed the deepening of cooperation in regional and international frameworks, including the "Shanghai Cooperation Organisation" and reiterated that Iran's membership in this organisation will guarantee the strengthening of peace, security, stability and development in the region and beyond.
The two sides emphasised the responsibility of the United States and NATO in the current situation of Afghanistan and urged the Afghan governing body to form an inclusive government with the meaningful participation of all ethnic and political groups and eliminate discrimination against women, minorities and religions.
Considering the current situation in Ukraine and its consequences for international peace and security, the two sides called for the creation of conditions for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis by the international community and especially by the relevant parties.
While thanking the leader and people of China for their warm and generous hospitality, President Raisi wished success for the continued development and prosperity of China.
The two sides signed and concluded a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding on bilateral cooperation in various fields.
President Raisi invited Mr Xi Jinping for an official visit to Iran. President Xi Jinping warmly accepted this invitation and stated that he would visit Iran at an appropriate time. The Presidents of the two countries emphasised the importance of close relations between the heads of state in order to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership.