Iranian President Mohammad Khatami Sunday met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to express their hopes the two countries can further cooperation.

Khatami says the bilateral relations have developed smoothly, adding that Iran is willing to cooperate with China in various fields.

Li Zhaoxing says both China and Iran are developing countries, who enjoy great cooperative potential.

He notes the two countries have good contacts and coordination on international and regional issues, adding that China is willing to reinforce friendly cooperation with Iran.

Earlier on Saturday, Li Zhaoxing held talks with his Iranian counterpart Hemal Kharrazi.

Li Zhaoxing stressed that China supports efforts to solve Iran's nuclear issue within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

He believed that keeping Iran's nuclear case within the IAEA framework would benefit all parties concerned.

Li Zhaoxing arrived in Tehran on Saturday morning.

(CRI November 8, 2004)