China says expects ‘in-depth’ talks during Iran FM visit
China on Tuesday said it expected “in-depth” talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during his visit to China this week, adding the two countries would work on “deepening political mutual trust.”
“Both sides will have in-depth exchanges on China-Iran bilateral relations and international and regional hotspot issues of mutual concern,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.
The visit to China by Tehran’s top diplomat comes ahead of a third round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States.
Araghchi previously visited China, which was a signatory to a since-abandoned 2015 agreement, in December.
China is Iran’s largest commercial partner and the main buyer of its oil, with Tehran still under crushing US sanctions.
Around 92 percent of Iranian oil heads towards China, according to Iranian media.
In 2021, Tehran and Beijing signed a comprehensive 25-year strategic agreement covering energy, security, infrastructure and communications among other areas.
China on Tuesday hailed its “traditional friendship” with Iran.
“The two countries have maintained mutual respect, trust, and support, promoting the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations and contributing to regional and global peace and stability,” Guo said.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said earlier this week that Araghchi’s visit would start on Tuesday, though China said it would be on Wednesday.
The visit to China comes after a trip to Russia last week, where Araghchi discussed the latest developments in talks between Tehran and Washington.
After the visit to Russia, Araghchi told state TV that Tehran always consults closely with its friends, Russia and China, over the nuclear issue.
“It is natural that we will consult and brief China over the latest developments in Iran-US indirect talks,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, adding that Beijing can play a constructive role in this process.