Iran and China agree to deepen ties

Iran and China have agreed to expand economic and political ties after talks between the two presidents in Tehran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping called it a "new season" in bilateral relations on Saturday.

Xi is the first leader to visit Iran since international sanctions were lifted last week. He is also the first Chinese president to visit Tehran in over a decade.

"We are happy that President Xi visited Iran after the lifting of sanctions... Iran and China have agreed to increase trade to $600 billion in the next ten years," Rouhani said at a news conference with Xi broadcast live on state television.

The two leaders endorsed a "comprehensive 25-year document" on strategic relations said Rouhani, and discussed terrorism and instability in the Middle East, as well as science, modern technology, culture, tourism, security and defence issues.

They also signed 17 agreements covering issues such as energy and boosting trade to $600bn.

Other issues discussed include reviving the ancient Silk Road trade route and co-operating in peaceful nuclear energy.

Xi is due to meet Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during his 24-hour visit.

He has also visited Saudi Arabia and Egypt during a Middle East tour that began on January 19. During his visit to Riyadh he affirmed China's support for Yemen's government against the Houthi rebels.