Xinhua, October 2, 2009

China on Thursday welcomed progress made in international talks on Iran's nuclear program and called on related parties to continue strengthening diplomatic efforts in pursuit of a comprehensive solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

"China welcomes the progress made in the Geneva talks and appreciates the flexibility shown by all parties," said Cheng Jingye, chief of the Department of Arms Control of China's Foreign Ministry, in a statement.

Cheng represented China in the one-day Geneva talks with Iran, which were also participated by senior diplomats from the United States, Britain, France, Russia and Germany.

"China hopes that all parties would further strengthen their diplomatic efforts, keep and push forward the process of dialogue, and seek a comprehensive, long-term and appropriate solution to the Iranian nuclear issue," he said.

The official also reiterated China's commitment to work with the international community and to play a constructive role in promoting a negotiated solution to the issue.

During the talks in Geneva, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili promised that Tehran would soon open its newly- disclosed uranium-enrichment facility near Qom to UN inspectors, according to EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, who coordinated the talks.

The parties also agreed to meet again by the end of this month.