TEHRAN -- Iran’s Foreign 
Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday his visit to China will open a “new chapter” in strategic cooperation between the two countries and herald a “golden” era for bilateral relations.
Araghchi made the remarks in an article published by China’s official People’s Daily newspaper as he headed to Beijing at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
“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.
“Iran and China share common interests and concerns not only at bilateral and regional levels, but also at the trans-regional and international levels,” he 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.”
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Beijing later Friday, Araghchi said new circumstances surrounding the nuclear issue and sanctions removal talks in 2025 necessitate “more consultations” with China. 
“The main goal of this visit is for consultations on bilateral, regional, and international issues,” he said.
He added that Iran has maintained close consultations with China about all regional and international matters, noting that the two countries have always enjoyed good relations and should continue collaboration on various issues.
“We are currently facing a sensitive situation,” the top Iranian diplomat emphasized, referring to different regional and global developments.
Araghchi said it is crucial for both Tehran and Beijing to engage in more talks to prepare for tackling regional and international challenges anticipated in 2025, particularly those involving the United Nations Security Council.
China is Iran’s largest trade partner. Both states are subject to different levels of illegal sanctions imposed by the U.S.
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 ceasefire 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.
“We are witnessing unprecedented changes in the world that have simultaneously created complex “opportunities” and “challenges” and put countries at a historical crossroad, where they must choose between confrontation/cooperation, exclusion/inclusion, closeness/openness, chaos/peace,” he said.
“Some states are trying to restrict and force others to choose their desired values and interests by distorting the facts, falsely dividing the world into democratic and non-democratic, and resorting to sanctions, pressure and double standards. However, Iran and China will always stand on the right side of history and by the side of development, prosperity, cooperation, and friendship between the countries of the Global South in a bid to counter unilateralism and bullying.”