Vice President Zeng Qinghong said in Beijing Thursday that China advocates the settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue within the framework of International Atomic Energy Agency.

Zeng made the remark at a meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, who arrived in Beijing earlier this morning for a two-day official visit.

The nuclear issue should be addressed "through diplomatic means and by way of dialogue and consultation," he told Mottaki.

Zeng also urged the Iranian side to take active action for unfreezing the current stalemate and resume its negotiations with the EU at an early date.

In a regular press conference in Beijing Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan stressed the nuclear issue is one of the topics between China and Iran during Mottaki's visit.

"China hopes Iran, the EU and other relevant sides to maintain patience, show flexibility and take concrete and practical steps to break the stalemate and promptly resume dialogue, consultation and negotiations," he said.

Besides the nuclear issue, Zeng and Mottaki spoke highly of the growth of bilateral ties. The bilateral political ties witness steady growth and economic cooperation bears good results, Zeng said.

China hopes to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Iran at all levels and in all areas, including the closer communication and coordination in major international and regional affairs, Zen said.

In response, Mottaki said the new Iranian government will continue to deepen its friendly and cooperative relations with China in all areas.

Mottaki arrived here at the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2005)