A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that it encourages parties involved in talks on the Iranian nuclear issue to increase contact in order to promote the process of negotiations.

"We support parties concerned with Iran's nuclear issue intensifying communication and increasing mutual trust, as these are conducive to the development of talks," Hong Lei said at a daily news briefing.

Hong made the remarks in response to a question concerning Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.

Noting that China has noticed the relevant statements, Hong said the nation has always advocated that dialogue and negotiation are the only right way to resolve Iran's nuclear issue.

Under the current circumstances, the six countries should restart talks with Iran at an early date in order to create conditions for a comprehensive and long-term calming of tensions, according to the spokesman.

He also said that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will participate in a foreign ministers' meeting on Iran's nuclear issue in New York on the sidelines of the annual session of the UN General Assembly on Thursday, together with counterparts from the P5+1 group.

Xinhua

(China Daily 09/26/2013 page11)