Zarif to Visit East Asian States

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is to set off on a tour of China, Japan and Malaysia at the head of a delegation on Sunday as part of an initiative to pursue “proactive” and “balanced” diplomacy. 
"Bilateral ties and major regional and international issues will be among the topics of discussion between the foreign minister and the authorities of these countries during this mission," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by ISNA. 
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang said in a press conference on Friday that Zarif has been officially invited by his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, to visit Beijing. 
He added that the two sides will discuss mutual relations as well as regional and global developments. 
"China is ready to work with Iran to further enhance bilateral strategic cooperation and help establish peace and stability in the [Persian] Gulf region," Geng was quoted as saying by Fars News Agency.