BEIJING/TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has said that the Islamic Republic is a major and reliable source for China to meet its energy needs.

At a meeting with employees of the Iranian Embassy in Beijing on Monday evening, Salehi said that Iran -- given its rich energy reserves -- can be a reliable and trustworthy trade partner for China, Press TV quoted IRNA as reporting.
According to Iranian Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Shamseddin Hosseini, Iran and China are going to establish a “joint oil and gas committee” to accelerate the implementation of joint energy projects and to strengthen Sino-Iranian ties in the field of energy.
The Iranian finance minister added that a memorandum of understanding on trade and economic cooperation was signed by Tehran and Beijing on April 21, which also called for the establishment of the Iran-China joint oil and gas committee.
Iran is currently China’s third largest supplier of crude oil, providing it with roughly 12 percent of its total annual oil consumption -- nearly one million barrels per day.
The volume of Iran’s trade with China stood at about $30 billion in 2010, up from $400 million in 1994, and the two countries are seeking to increase bilateral trade.
In February, the chairman of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce, Asadollah Asgaroladi, stated that the two countries have drawn up plans to increase the value of their bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2015.
The 14th meeting of the Iran-China Joint Economic Commission was held in Beijing on April 21.
Iranian FM meets Chinese VP
Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi on Tuesday and pledged to work closely with Tehran to strengthen bilateral relations.
Xi welcomed Salehi to China, who was making his first visit to the country since becoming foreign minister in January, and said the visit reflects the tremendous importance Iran attaches to its relationship with China, Xinhua reported.
“I learned that you have had talks with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on bilateral issues as well as international and regional issues of common concern, and I am glad to hear that your talks were productive,” Xi added.
Salehi extended greetings from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Xi, saying China occupies an important place in the hearts of the Iranian people.
Salehi, who was formerly the director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, recalled his two previous visits to China and marveled at the great changes in the country.
Xi said China was satisfied with its ties with Iran, adding that both countries had deepened political trust, boosted economic cooperation, and maintained close coordination in regional and international issues over the years.
Xi stated that China would also like to work with Iran to benefit the people of the two countries.
Salehi echoed Xi’s comments on bilateral relations, saying Iran wants to increase its cooperation with China in trade, economic issues, and other areas.
Xi and Salehi also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and North Africa.
On Monday, Salehi said that Chinese experts are welcome to visit Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Iran is ready to receive nuclear experts from China to visit the country’s nuclear sites so that they can become familiar with Iran’s nuclear program, Salehi stated at a press conference in Beijing.
This invitation is extended while no other country in the world would allow experts from other countries to visit their nuclear installations, Salehi added.