On January 22, 2016 local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Iran’s capital Tehran by special plane, starting his state visit to the country.

At about 9:10 p.m. local time, Xi Jinping arrived at the Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran by special plane and received a warm welcome from Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif of Iran and others.

Xi Jinping extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the Iranian government and people. He pointed out that as ancient civilizations with time-honored history and splendid culture, China and Iran made important contributions to the progress of human civilization. The two peoples met each other’s wants via the ancient silk road through the centuries and their friendly exchanges are therefore long-standing. Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations, both countries have witnessed constant development of friendly cooperative relations in politics, economy, culture and other fields. Currently, China-Iran relations are embracing a new development opportunity. China will work with Iran to ride on the momentum for the constant elevation of bilateral relations and practical cooperation and for a new chapter of comprehensive, long-lasting and stable development of bilateral relations. He is looking forward to, together with Iranian leaders, exchanging in-depth views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern and mapping out a grand plan for bilateral cooperation so as to enhance friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and other delegation members arrived by the same plane.

H.E. Pang Sen, Chinese Ambassador to Iran, also greeted Xi Jinping at the airport.

Xi Jinping arrived in Iran after concluding his state visit to Egypt. On that afternoon, Xi Jinping left Egypt by special plane. Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh Mohamed Gad Eldamaty of Egypt, Governor of Luxor Mohammed Bader and others from the Egyptian side saw him off at the airport.