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Iran's president seeks closer ties

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Amid thawing tensions between Iran and the West, the Iranian president is in China for further discussions on ending a decade long nuclear standoff and fostering a better relationship with Beijing.

China on Thursday called on world powers to reach agreements on the long-lingering Iran nuclear issue as soon as possible, while pledging to strengthen economic and security cooperation with that country.

President Xi Jinping made the remarks in talks with his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rouhani, who was on his first state visit to China since taking office last year.

The meeting in Shanghai came just one day after the UN nuclear watchdog said Teheran agreed to implement "practical measures" in its nuclear program, a move cautiously viewed by observers as an important step toward a broader deal to resolve the nuclear issue.

Li Shaoxian, a researcher of Middle Eastern studies at the China Institute of Contemporary Relations, said the good relationship between China and Iran has been hampered by the chilly ties between Iran and the West, especially the sanctions imposed on Iran.

Western nations have heavily criticized and sanctioned Iran because of its nuclear program, which Iran insists is peaceful. After Rouhani took office in August, Iran launched a charm offensive in the world diplomatic arena, engaging in more talks with global powers.

"When Teheran's growing flexibility in resolving the nuclear issue has led to improving ties with Washington, it also aims to grab the easing situation as an opportunity to boost its relations with China," Li said.