Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beijing on Friday for his first visit to the country since being appointed foreign minister in August. The visit comes at a tumultuous time for Iran, which faces policy crises at home and abroad and seeks a source of stability in its relationship with China.  

Upon his arrival, Araghchi told reporters, “The primary goal of this visit is to engage in bilateral, regional and international consultations.” Araghchi is expected to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other senior Chinese officials during his two-day visit.  

According to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, Araghchi also emphasized “the need for increased consultations with China regarding Iran’s nuclear program and efforts to lift sanctions.”  

On the same day the Iranian foreign minister touched down in the Chinese capital, China’s state-owned People’s Daily newspaper published an article written by Araghchi regarding his visit and relations between the two countries. Araghchi also took the opportunity to comment on the ongoing situation in Syria following the ouster of its former president, Bashar al-Assad, an ally of both Iran and China.