It will be the first meeting between the heads of state of China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) since the assumption of office of China's new leadership, said Kong at a regular press conference.

Kong said the two heads of state would exchange views on bilateral relations, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea nuclear issue, and regional and international situations.

China and the ROK had developed sound bilateral relations in recent years, said Kong.

He said China was expecting further understanding, friendly and mutual cooperation through the upcoming visit by Roh Moo-Hyun.

At the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, ROK President Roh Moo Hyun will pay a state visit to China from July 7 to 10.

DPRK nuclear issue

To realize a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula is essential to maintaining peace and stability of the region, the spokesman said.

He said that when the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) emerged in 1992, the DPRK and the United States signed a framework accord and gave people a sense that it had been settled.

When it emerged again, China was naturally concerned about it, Kong said, adding that the Chinese side did "not know what had happened, to be frank".

Kong said China hoped to realize a nuclear-free peninsula and settle the DPRK's security concerns.

The basic stance that China holds was to realize a nuclear-freepeninsular, Kong said.

He said the Beijing meeting held in April, attended by the DPRK and the United States was regarded by the international community as a good beginning for a peaceful resolution to the issue.

Relevant nations, including China, were making an effort to settle this issue and hoped the Beijing meeting could be continued, said Kong.

As to the form of the meeting, Kong said China's attitude was open. The key lay in the result of talks to the end that the goal of a nuclear-free peninsula, benefiting peace and stability of the region and Asia, could be realized.

Middle-East issue

China calls for more concern of the international community on the Middle-East issue, said Kong Quan.

"The United Nations should play a bigger role in this regard," Kong told the regular press conference.

He said China had made a five-point proposal on the Middle-East issue, and proposed to convene an international meeting attended by the UN Security Council and all relevant parties.

Kong noted that not long ago some acts in this region led the situation to be severe and complicated, but recently some positive signs had appeared.

He said China welcomed and supported the "road map" plan for Middle-East peace, and hoped Israel and Palestine could work with the international community, stop using violence against violence, so as to lay foundation for resuming talks and reaching agreement.

Kong noted that China had sent special envoy to Middle East, adding that China, as it always did, will work with the international community to promote peace in this region.

Iranian issue

The Chinese government says disputes and differences between countries should be settled through talks and in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence and other international norms known to all.

Kong told the regular press conference that China had taken note that Iran was willing to sign the additional protocol of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

This would help defuse the suspicions and concerns of the international community, and would improve international cooperation regarding Iran's use of nuclear power, said Kong.

"It is in conformity with Iran's interest," Kong said.

The United States, the European Union and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have exerted pressure on Iran to sign the additional protocol of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The protocol stipulates that the signing countries should be subject to surprise checks by the IAEA.

Iran would like to sign the protocol, but asked for removal of its economic and technological sanctions.

Indian PM's visit to China fruitful

The visit to China by Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was successful and fruitful, said Kong Quan.

Kong said Vajpayee, who made the first visit to China as an Indian prime minister in a decade, held talks and met with Chinese leaders during his stay in Beijing.

More importantly, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Vajpayee Monday signed a declaration on principles for bilateral relationship and comprehensive cooperation, Kong said.

The declaration, together with a series of other documents signed between China and India, set out the goals and guiding principles for bilateral relations and outlined cooperation of the two countries in various fields, Kong added.

Kong said that Vajpayee's visit will definitely boost the Sino-Indian relations.

On Thursday Vajpayee continues his visit in Shanghai, China's financial hub.

Sikkim issue

The Sikkim issue cannot be settled "overnight", and the China hoped it can be settled step by step, said the Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Kong said the Sikkim issue was an issue left over by history. The history should be respected and at the same time realistic factors should also be considered.

At the press conference, Kong announced that Chinese Vice-Premier and Health Minister Wu Yi will attend the APEC Health Ministers' Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on June 28, at the invitation of Thai Deputy Prime Minister Korn Dabbaransi.

He said the focus of the meeting was to discuss strengthening cooperation within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on fighting against SARS, removing its impact on economy and promoting regional economic growth.

Kong also announced Vanuatu's Prime Minister Nipake Edward Natapei will pay a working visit to China from June 30 to July 6.

(China.org.cn edited from Xinhua News Agency, June 27, 2003)