Xi arrives in Iran for state visit

Pang Sen, China's ambassador to Iran, told Xinhua that China is the largest developing country in the world, while Iran is a regional power of important influence in the Middle East.

"China and Iran share a traditional friendship. We do not have any problems left over from history, nor do we have conflicts of interests in present days," Pang said ahead of Xi's visit.

"To develop our friendly cooperative relationship is not only in line with the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, but also conducive to the regional peace, stability and prosperity," he added.

Xi will conclude on Saturday night his five-day, three-nation tour of the Middle East, which has already taken him to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. It is Xi's first overseas visit this year and also his first trip to the region since he became Chinese president in 2013.