Top legislator meets with Iranian vice-president

China and Iran on Monday agreed to expand cooperation in economy and trade, as well as crime-fighting.

At a meeting in Teheran with Iranian Vice-President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi, China's top legislator, Wu Bangguo, said Sino-Iranian cooperation in economy and trade, energy, infrastructure and project contraction has brought benefits to both countries and peoples in recent years, and the cooperation should move forward.

Wu proposed the two governments improve communications and coordination to provide favorable conditions for enterprises of both countries.

Cooperation in infrastructure such as rail transportation, water conservancy and electricity should be further expanded, and contracts that have already been signed should be fully implemented, he said.

In addition, double taxation between the two countries should be avoided, and more favorable policies in visa and customs clearance should be issued, Wu suggested.

Rahimi said that Iran has high hopes for its relations and cooperation with China. He said Iran is willing to speed up cooperation with China in energy, trade, agriculture, infrastructure and the economy.

Wu and Rahimi on Monday afternoon also witnessed the signing of two judicial cooperation agreements between China and Iran, one on expatriation and the other on the transfer of convicts.

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, began his first-ever visit to Iran on Sept 9. The visit marks the first time in 16 years that China's top legislator has been to the Islamic republic.

Before meeting Rahimi, Wu held talks with Iranian Parliament leader Ali Larijani. Wu told Larijani that China's friendship and cooperation is an important part of China's independent and peaceful foreign policy, and it will not change with the international and regional situations.

Wu is scheduled to meet Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday afternoon to further exchange views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues.