Xi congratulates Iran's president-elect on his victory

President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on Monday to Ebrahim Raisi, who has been elected president of Iran.

In his message, Xi noted that China and Iran are comprehensive strategic partners, and that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Xi also noted the great emphasis placed on developing the China-Iran relationship, saying that he is willing to work with Raisi to strengthen bilateral strategic communication, reinforce political mutual trust, expand and deepen win-win cooperation in various areas, and bring further benefits to both countries and their peoples.

Raisi won the presidential race by securing over 60 percent of the votes, the Iranian Interior Ministry announced on Saturday. He will take office in August.

Raisi, who was born on Dec 14, 1960, in the northeastern city of Mashhad, has been acting as the judiciary chief since he was appointed in 2019 by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to enhance the country's fight against corruption.

China and Iran have witnessed constant development of their political mutual trust as well as fruitful results of pragmatic cooperation since the start of bilateral diplomatic relations in 1971.

The two governments signed a memorandum of understanding in 2016 on jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative.

During State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Iran in March, the two sides signed the landmark 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement.

"China-Iran friendship will certainly continue to follow the direction defined by leaders of the two countries, stand on a new historical starting point and open an exciting new chapter," Chang Hua, Chinese ambassador to Iran, said in an interview with Iranian media in May.