Iranians expect Xi's visit to further promote China-Iran friendship

TEHRAN -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Iran is highly expected by Iranians who believe his visit will promote China's "Belt and Road" initiative, further develop Iran-China friendship and benefit the two peoples.

Harred Deren is a student of international relations at a local university. He told Xinhua that President Xi's visit will help further promote cooperation between Iran and China in politics, economy, science and technology as well as culture.

"This will further enhance the relationship between Iran and the region, and will also further promote peace and development of the entire Middle East," he said.

Deren, who has studied Chinese and calligraphy in China's northwestern city Xi'an, said Iran and China, both having a long history, have underestimated influence in Asia.

"Through the study in China, I not only felt the charm of Chinese ancient civilization, also saw strong development of a modern China. It was seen from ancient times to now, business contacts and cultural exchanges between the two sides have never stopped. I believe this visit of President Xi will promote the friendship between the two peoples and bring benefits to the two peoples."

Gulina, a 46-year-old Iranian woman working in a gift shop, has been to several Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou. China gave her a deep impression as a "big country with a large population and modern urbanism," she said.

She said made-in-China products are now widely present in each ordinary Iranian's daily life. In many locals' homes, Chinese goods ranging from large home appliances to small cups and dishes are inexpensive things to purchase.

Gulina is looking forward to positive results from President Xi's visit. "I hope the bilateral relations are getting better, so more and more Chinese people will visit Iran, and our life will be better."

Dr. Saeed Leylaz, a leading Iranian economist, said Xi's visit to Iran will usher in a broad range of cooperation opportunities between enterprises of the two countries.

In recent years, Iranians have shown interest in cooperation in the development of petroleum, high-speed rail, natural gas and other areas, he said. Iran will strengthen the cooperation with China in all those aspects as it is certainly a win-win option.

In this regard, he believes that since China puts forward "Belt and Road" initiative and the grounds for bilateral ties and cooperation are increasingly diverse, especially after the lifting of Western sanctions against Iran, Iran will vigorously develop infrastructure, in which the Chinese government encourages its enterprises to participate.

Iran's economy and its public perception of China will be greatly improved, and the cooperation with China will also benefit from more recognition, the expert said, adding that Iran-China relations are built on solid, irreplaceable grounds and the two sides need each other.