The leaders of China and Iran have reaffirmed plans to strengthen ties between the two countries at their summit meeting in Beijing with the United States at conflict in mind.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, on Tuesday. Raisi is on an official three-day visit to China until Thursday.

China's foreign ministry said Xi told Raisi that his country will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran, no matter how the international and regional situation changes.

Xi reportedly stressed that China will advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between their countries. That's a 25-year cooperation agreement which covers a wide range of sectors.

Xi also voiced China's opposition to external forces interfering in Iran's internal affairs and undermining its security and stability.

The two leaders then witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements in a range of areas, including agriculture and trade.

In December, Xi attended a summit in Saudi Arabia with leaders of Arab nations, which have close ties with the United States.

He is apparently trying to strengthen relations with Iran as well countering US influence in the Middle East.