The meeting was held upon Zarif’s arrival at Beijing international airport.
Both men also called for strengthening of political and economic relations between Tehran and Beijing.
Iran and China have always enjoyed cordial ties, Zarif said, adding that relations between the two countries have become more sensitive after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Zarif arrived in Beijing on Sunday to hold talks with senior Chinese officials on the Iran nuclear deal. He will also meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
At the end of Beijing visit, he is slated to travel to Moscow and Brussels to continue JCPOA-related talks in the aftermath of US president, Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal.
Following America's abrogation of the JCPOA, all other parties to the accord have called for salvaging and preservation of the accord.
Earlier, foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said Zarif will embark on an intensive tour of China, Russia and Belgium late Saturday to explore ways of preserving the JCPOA.
He added that Zarif will leave for China, Russia and Brussels at the order of President Hassan Rouhani to exchange views with Europe and other parties to the JCPOA on the survival of the deal following US departure.
