Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing in Tehran on Wednesday.
Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said Iran is a country with important regional and international influence and an important comprehensive strategic partner of China.
China supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and legitimate rights and interests, and stands ready to work with Iran to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state to push for the steady and long-term growth of China-Iran relations, he said.
Pezeshkian said Iran attaches great importance to developing Iran-China relations which are of great strategic significance.
Iran is willing to stand with China to continue supporting each other, deepening practical cooperation, and pushing for greater development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China, said the president.
Zhang paid a visit to Iran from Tuesday to Wednesday, at the invitation of Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.
Iranian president meets Chinese vice premier to discuss bilateral ties
Customers and merchants at Dadong Non-Staple Food Market in Shenyang, the capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, expressed a strong sense of fulfillment and happiness as Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the market on Thursday to inspect supplies for the upcoming Spring Festival.
The Spring Festival, the most important traditional festival in Chinese culture, celebrates the arrival of the Chinese New Year, which falls on Jan. 29 this year.
Ahead of the festival, the market consistently maintains stable prices and supply, with an average daily customer flow of around 20,000 people, ensuring food availability for local residents.
"I was very excited because I did not expect to meet the General Secretary while shopping for the Spring Festival," said Duan Yuanyuan, a local resident.
"Everyone was truly excited because the General Secretary brought us this wonderful surprise ahead of the Spring Festival," said Guo Haijun, a vendor at the food market.
"The General Secretary visited a dozen stalls in our food market to know about their specialty products. With the Spring Festival approaching, his primary concern is maintaining price stability and ensuring the availability of high-quality vegetables at affordable prices for the public. Food safety is another key priority for him. What he cares about is whether there are practical measures to ensure the well-being of the people and whether these measures can be effectively implemented," said Liu Yanling, the general manager of Dadong Non-Staple Food Company.
"We now offer over 20 different flavors to cater to a wide range of customer preferences. During festivals, people like to put several plates of our products on the dining table. We do not add any unnecessary ingredients, and the materials we use are always fresh. Each day, we sell several hundred kilograms of products. So now, we are increasing our supply to meet demand during the Spring Festival. Meanwhile, we remain committed to ensuring food quality and safety," said Mr. Fu, a merchant at the market.
At the market, children were overjoyed to see Xi and eagerly offered him the candy they had just bought.
"Thank you! I would love to have your candy. You are the future of our country. Eating your candy fills my heart with sweetness and happiness, and I wish your lives would be as sweet as candy,” Xi said.
"We were both happy and excited when giving candies to Grandpa Xi," said Li Yunwei, one of the children.
President Xi's care and support have inspired confidence among merchants and residents alike, who feel encouraged by improved policies, thriving businesses, and an increasing sense of fulfillment and happiness in their daily lives.
"With the care and support from the General Secretary, I feel confident. Just look at how good the policies are! What we need to do is just do whatever we can to boost our income to build a well-off life and a joyful family," said Liu Yanjun, a merchant.
"The General Secretary asked me about flower sales, and I told him that the flowers were selling very well. The flowers are flourishing and perfectly complement the festive atmosphere," said another merchant, Li Manman.
"I often come here to buy fruits and vegetables. The market has everything you need. Now, life for ordinary people is getting better and better, and we have a great sense of happiness," said Li Yurong, a local resident.
Xi acknowledged the market's work in keeping an ample inventory for the upcoming festival.
"This is indeed very abundant [in food supplies], and everything is available here. I feel very happy to see the people living in such material conditions. Surely, the people will have a happy Spring Festival holiday, and it also signals a good start to the year," he said.
Xi’s visit to Shenyang food market brings happiness to customers, merchants
