TEHRAN (FNA)- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi in a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing explored avenues for reinvigorating and bolstering mutual cooperation.
During the meeting in the Chinese capital on Thursday, Salehi and Wang underlined the need for the further expansion of bilateral ties, specially in the field of nuclear cooperation.
The Chinese foreign minister conveyed to Salehi an invitation letter for his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif to visit Beijing soon.
Salehi arrived in Beijing on Wednesday morning for an official three-day visit.
Salehi met Chairman of China's Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) Xu Dazhe on Wednesday evening.
During the meeting, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on nuclear cooperation.
Salehi also visited the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) and some other Chinese institutions which are active in field of peaceful nuclear programs.
The AEOI is willing to develop cooperation with Chinese Atomic Energy Authority on construction of small new power plant with the capacity of 100 megawatts with cost-effective expenses in light of the capability to generate electricity for limited area, produce industrial steam plant and desalinate water.
In relevant remarks on Wednesday, Salehi said Tehran was conducting negotiations with Beijing to construct two 100-MW nuclear power plants.
"We are in talks with the Chinese over the construction of two 100-MW power plants," Salehi said, addressing AEOI staff in Tehran.
He also referred to the contract signed with Russia on building two other nuclear power plants, and said, "God willing, the construction work will start this year."
Salehi expressed the hope that 4 new nuclear power plants would start workshop operations in the next 3 to 4 years in Iran as well.
He also referred to Tehran's achievements in nuclear talks with the world powers, and said, "They failed to materialize all their objectives, at least in technical aspects."
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