On June 4, 2009, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya met with Hassan Qashqavi, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman and special assistant to foreign minister, who is leading an Iranian press delegation to visit China.

Wang made positive comments on China-Iran friendly relations, as well as the results of bilateral cooperation in all areas. He emphasized that China cherishes the traditional friendship with Iran and is ready to further strengthen exchanges with Iran at all levels, continuously expand trade ties, deepen cooperation in all areas and jointly push bilateral ties to a new level.

Wang pointed out that China has always attached importance to enhancing exchanges and cooperation with Iran in the area of journalism. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, said Wang, expressing hope that the Iranian press delegation will take the opportunity of the visit to gain an all-round, in-depth understanding of China and play a positive role in deepening mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples.

Qashqavi, on behalf of the delegation members, thanked for China's invitation. He pledged that the journalists will introduce what they have seen and heard in China to their people and make efforts for the enhancement of bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the field of journalism, so that the Silk Road connecting China and Iran will be full of new vigor and vitality.

Both sides also exchanged views on China-Iran relations, as well as other regional and international issues of common interest.

The Iranian press delegation is visiting China at the invitation of the Information Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Besides Beijing, they will also visit Shanghai.