15 June 2011 - 19:30

Chinese President Hu Jintao says Iran's nuclear rights must be respected and efforts should be made to reach a negotiated settlement in the dispute over Tehran's peaceful nuclear activities.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - During a meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the Kazakh capital Astana on the sidelines of the 10th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Hu said, “China backs Iran's peaceful nuclear program, and believes dialogue is the best way to resolve the issue”.

He also underlined the need to increase Sino-Iranian cooperation at the regional and international levels.

Ahmadinejad expressed his appreciation of China's clear stance on Iran's nuclear program.

He said the Iranian nation favors cooperation and dialogue and is prepared to resume “constructive and positive” talks.

The two leaders also discussed the latest regional and international developments as well as ways to expand bilateral ties.

/106