Hu made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Astana, Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of the 10th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which will open in Astana today.

The Chinese president also said, “China defends Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and believes that negotiation is the best way to find a solution to (Iran’s nuclear) issue.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Hu said that further development of relations between Tehran and Beijing is conducive to improving peace and stability in the region and the world.

The two countries should make every effort to increase bilateral cooperation, the Chinese president stated.

Unity benefits entire region

In addition, Ahmadinejad held a separate meeting with Kazakh President NursultanNazarbayev.

Ahmadinejad and Nazarbayev emphasized that unity among regional countries will benefit the entire region and will promote peace and security in the region as well.