It will be the first meeting between the heads of China and the Republic of Korea since the assumption of office of China's new leadership, the spokesman said 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.

Over the years the two nations have maintained high-level exchanges and have witnessed rapid development of their economic relations with still great potential remaining, said the spokesman.

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

Turning to the DPRK nuclear issue, Kong said realizing a nuclear-free Korea Peninsula is essential to maintaining peace and stability of the region.

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."

The basic stance that China holds is to realize a nuclear-free peninsula and settle the DPRK's security concerns, 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, are making an effort to settle this issue and hope the Beijing meeting can be continued, said Kong.

As to the form of the meeting, Kong said China's attitude is open. The key lies 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, can be realized.

Also Thursday, Kong said China welcomes Iran's positive attitude on the issue of signing an additional protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

"It (a positive attitude) will help reduce the suspicions of the international community on the relevant questions,'' Kong said.

Abdollah Ramezanzadeh, an Iranian government spokesman said Monday his country is committed to all treaties that can make the world more peaceful.

He also welcomed the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) call for building more transparency and confidence among the international community about Iran's nuclear programs.

The IAEA has asked Iran to sign an additional protocol to the NPT, and one that will pave the way for visits to the country's nuclear plants by United Nations inspectors.

With respect to Indian Prime Minister's ongoing China visit, the spokesman said the visit is successful and fruitful.

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, has set out the goals and guiding principles for bilateral relations and outlined cooperation of the two countries in various fields, Kong added.

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

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

In terms of the Middle-East issue, the spokesman said China calls for more concern of the international community on it.

"The United Nations should play a bigger role in this regard," Kong said.

He said China has 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 welcomes and supports the "road map" plan for Middle-East peace, and hopes Israel and Palestine can work with the international community, stop using violence against violence, so as to lay foundation for resuming talks and reaching agreement.

Kong noted China has 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.

The spokesman also announced Vice Premier Wu Yi, who is also minister of health, will attend the APEC Health Ministers' Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand tomorrow. The focus of the meeting is to discuss strengthening cooperation within APEC on fighting against SARS, removing its impact on economy and promoting regional economic growth.

As for the Sikkim issue, the spokesman said it cannot be settled "overnight", and China hopes it can be settled step by step.

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

Kong also announced Vanuatu's Prime Minister Nipake Edward Natapei will pay a working visit to China from June 30 to July 6 at the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao.

(Sources from Xinhua News Agency and China Daily, June 27, 2003)