Amid widespread criticism of Iran’s 25-year agreement with China, foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told Chinese television that the deal is a “win-win” for both countries.

In a meeting on Friday, Iranian and Chinese foreign ministers announced the launch of the long-term strategic agreement, the details of which is kept secret. Iranians on social media called the agreement a sell-out of national interests and the country’s independence.

Amir-Abdollahian in his interview with CGTN television insisted that “We have included all aspects related to the interests of the two nations in the agreement.”

Earlier, Hossein Nushabadi, a senior member of Iran’s parliament had said that with the agreement Iran can facilitate its trade and banking relation to defeat United States’ sanctions.

Iran’s minister of economy, Ehsan Khandouzi has said that various government ministries have begun consultations with Chinese counterparts for specific agreement in different fields.

In December, Iran authorized the opening of a Chinese consulate in Iran’s Persian Gulf port of Bandar Abbas, signaling the launch of a foothold for Beijing in one of the most strategic regions in the world.

Iran’s anti-Western Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei insists on foreign and economic policy relying on the East, meaning China and Russia, but until 2021 Beijing was cautious about expanding ties with Iran because of US sanctions.