TEHRAN – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, met on Sunday in Qingdao, China, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

The senior officials discussed expansion of relations especially in economic and political areas.

Four cooperation documents in the areas of research, fight against drug trafficking, stock market and road construction were signed between the two countries.

The Iranian president also met separately with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the fringes of the summit.

Rouhani said that Iran is ready to expand “strategic cooperation” with the “friendly country of India”.

He also said that Iran welcomes India’s participation in the development of Chabahar port.

For his part, Modi said that India is determined to deepen relations with Iran in various areas.

Rouhani also held a separate meeting with Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga, discussing economic ties.

Also, Rouhani met with a number of senior officials on Saturday on the sidelines of the summit including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The SCO summit started on Saturday and ended on Sunday. 

Rouhani addressed the summit on Sunday, elaborating on the Islamic Republic’s stances on most pressing issues.

SCO member states are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Observer states are Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia, and dialogue partners are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka.

NA/PA