TEHRAN – Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that sanctions against Iran has been hurting the international economy.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the African-Asian summit on Thursday.

Rouhani also said that Tehran has fulfilled its nuclear commitments and now it is the time for 5+1 group to remove sanctions to win the international community’s trust.

China is a member of the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) which is negotiating with Iran for a final nuclear deal.

“Today, the public opinion knows that Iran has entered talks with honesty and transparency and has fulfilled its commitments while showing essential flexibility, (and) now is the time to remove sanctions in order for the other side to win the international trust,” Rouhani stated.

He went on to say that “good” steps have been taken in nuclear talks and a final deal can be reached if the other side has necessary “political will”.

He also highlighted the importance of expanding Tehran-Beijing ties.

Commenting on the situation in the Mideast region, he stated that stability should be established in Yemen.

Clashes in Yemen should be stopped and Yemeni groups should start talks to form an inclusive national government, he added.

Rouhani also said that Iran is ready to cooperate in helping campaign against spread of violence, terrorism and extremism.

Xi also said China backs removal of sanctions, because they harm relations between the two countries and disturb international economic cooperation.

He expressed hope that a “fair and comprehensive” agreement would be reached.

NA/PA