Iranian foreign minister congratulates China’s new FM

Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has congratulated his new Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, following his official appointment to the post.

In a telephone conversation on Thursday, the Iranian and Chinese foreign ministers exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interests.

Salehi and Wang stressed the importance of strengthening Tehran-Beijing relations in all fields.

The Iranian minister invited his Chinese counterpart to visit Iran.

Meanwhile, Wang said Iran had an important and influential position in the region and expressed China’s willingness to bolster bilateral cooperation with the Islamic Republic on key regional and international developments.

On March 16, the Chinese National People’s Congress appointed former envoy to Japan Wang Yi, 59, foreign minister. He was the ambassador to Japan from 2004 to 2007 after previously serving as a diplomat in China’s embassy in Tokyo from 1989 to 1994.