Abbas Araghchi told reporters in a video published by Iranian state media as he arrived in Beijing that the visit was taking place “at a very suitable time.”
Referring to numerous consultations held between Tehran and China on different international issues over the past years, the Iranian foreign minister said, “Now, there exists critical circumstances. Not only the region abounds with various tumults, but also there are various [thorny] issues at the international level, also our nuclear issue in the new year will face a situation that needs more consultations.”
“The invitation of our Chinese friends was for this reason, that at the beginning of the new year... we should think together, consult and be ready for the challenges that will come.”
In an article published by China’s official People’s Daily newspaper on Friday, Araghchi said his visit to China will open a “new chapter” in strategic cooperation between the two countries and herald a “golden” era for bilateral relations.
“The next golden 50 years of Iran-China relations will demonstrate that this visit marks the beginning of a new chapter of strategic cooperation between the two countries,” he wrote.
The top Iranian diplomat also noted that Iran and China have long engaged in “practical cooperation” to promote multilateralism and develop indigenous values, adding that both sides have defended each other’s fundamental interests in international forums.
He also hailed “pragmatic” Iran-China ties, citing close political and defense coordination, exchange of high-level delegations, as well as cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the BRICS group of emerging economies, and the Beijing-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March 2023.
Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged in October to increase ties with Iran during talks with his counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian in Russia on the sidelines of a BRICS summit.
“Iran and China share common interests and concerns not only at bilateral and regional levels, but also at the trans-regional and international levels,” Araghchi emphasized.
“While firmly believing in the significance of multilateralism and the benefits of joint cooperation towards the prosperity of human society, both countries keep cooperating closely in multilateral mechanisms, including the SCO and the BRICS.”
China is Iran’s largest trade partner. Both states are subject to different levels of illegal sanctions imposed by the US.
The two countries signed the long-term strategic partnership deal in March 2021 to reinforce their long-standing economic and political alliance.
In his article, Araghchi said that West Asia is facing numerous challenges, the core of which is the Palestine issue.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, caused by the Israeli genocide and supported by some world powers, has been exacerbated by the inaction of the international community and irresponsible behavior of some parties, he noted.
Iran and China believe that an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid are now the most important priorities, he said.
The Iranian foreign minister further referred to the recent developments in Syria, urging respect for the country’s unity, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Tehran, he pointed out, believes that the Syrian people should decide the future of their country without destructive intervention or external imposition.