Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani hailed on Saturday the determination of both Iranian and Chinese governments to enhance bilateral cooperation.

This statement followed his meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Tehran, Zong Peiwu, where they discussed key issues concerning Tehran-Beijing regional and international cooperation.

Bagheri Kani said that Iran and China are significant players on the international stage and that their membership in intergovernmental groups like BRICS can further strengthen bilateral ties.

Ambassador Zong Peiwu echoed this sentiment, stating that the mutual political trust and strong determination of both nations' officials form a solid foundation for Tehran-Beijing cooperation.

He affirmed China's commitment to implementing its comprehensive cooperation agreement plan with the Islamic Republic.

Read more: $2.879bn Iran-China trade value in Jan-Feb, 37% higher than 2023

In March, IRNA reported that trade exchanges between Iran and China increased by 37 percent in the first two months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

Chinese customs data showed that trade between the two countries reached $2.879 billion in January and February this year, up from $2.098 billion last year.

Chinese exports to Iran rose by 45 percent, amounting to $2.05 billion, while Iranian exports to China increased by 20 percent, totaling $829 million.

Analysts believe China's actual imports from Iran could be higher, as official statistics do not include Iranian oil purchases by Chinese refineries.

China-Iran container trains relaunched at Aprin Dry Port

Last Sunday, the head of Iran's state-owned railway system (RAI) Mi'ad Salehi announced the historical relaunch of the China-Iran and Iran-China container at the Aprin Dry Port in Islamshahr, southern Tehran.

Salehi mentioned that Iran's position is strategic insofar it ensure a fast and safe route for transporting consignments from China to the EU.

The inauguration ceremony marked the first phase of the China-Iran-Europe railway corridor's operation.

The container trains will travel through friendly and neighboring countries, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, en route to China.

Salehi said that the Chinese container train departed for Iran around 10 days ago, noting that the trains will be exchanged at the Incheh Boroun Border Terminal.

The container trains will travel through friendly and neighboring countries, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, en route to China.

Salehi said that the Chinese container train departed for Iran around 10 days ago, noting that the trains will be exchanged at the Incheh Boroun Border Terminal.