BANDAR ABBAS, Iran - (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Consulate General in Bandar Abbas, capital of Hormozgan Province on Iran's southern coast, was officially opened on Wednesday, marking the establishment of China's first consulate general in Iran.

Speaking on the occasion of the official opening of the Consulate General, Chinese Ambassador to Iran Zhang Hua hailed the opening of the Consulate General in Bandar Abbas as "a new historical moment in China-Iran relations."

He added that this step will deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between China and southern Iran, and will bear more fruits of China-Iran friendship.

Zhang noted that Chinese diplomatic missions in Iran are willing to work with the Iranian side to seize the opening of the Consulate General as an opportunity to effectively implement the comprehensive cooperation plans between the two countries, make joint efforts to support the Belt and Road Initiative, and achieve more results of cooperation.

On the other hand, Adel Shahrazad, deputy governor of Hormozgan, said during his speech that the southern Iranian provinces are looking forward to cooperation with China, adding that the opening of the Chinese Consulate General will play an important role in developing bilateral relations and promoting exchanges in various fields.

The area of responsibility of the Consulate General of China in Bandar Abbas includes eight Iranian provinces in the south.