On February 12, 2012, visiting Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu held talks with Ali Baqeri, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in Tehran. Ma also met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Akhoundzadeh.

Ma said his visit was aimed at exchanging views with Iran on its nuclear issue in a candid and in-depth way. Under current circumstances, Ma said, China is willing to maintain close communication with related parties to promote the early resumption of talks between the six nations and Iran. China encourages Iran to enhance cooperation with the IAEA in a bid to put the Iranian nuclear issue on the course of dialogue, he said.

The Iranian side pledged to resume the talks with the six nations at an early date and continue to strengthen cooperation with the IAEA.

At the invitation of Baqeri, Ma arrived in Tehran, capital of Iran, on the morning of February 12, kicking off his two-day visit to the country.