TEHRAN -- China’s new ambassador to Iran has said that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is a symbol of fighting against oppression in the eyes of the Chinese people.

The ambassador made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian presidential chief of staff Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei in Tehran on Wednesday.
“The Chinese people regard Dr. Ahmadinejad as a symbol of fighting against oppression and that is why he is not only popular among the Iranian nation, but among all nations, particularly the Chinese people,” the ambassador said.
He also expressed his country’s readiness to expand its cooperation with the Islamic Republic in various areas.
Mashaei stated that Iran and China must realize their potential to the benefit of both countries.
He added that Iran and China enjoy high status in the international arena and must work to maintain their “long-standing” relations