China said Thursday it hopes to see an early start of a new round of talks on the Iranian nuclear issue, calling for efforts to seek early progress in that regard.

"The Iranian nuclear issue has reached a new crucial stage. The relevant parties should remain committed to a diplomatic solution and begin a new round of dialogue as soon as possible, "said Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

"We should, acting in the spirit of respecting each other's concerns, showing flexibility and pragmatism, expanding common ground and overcoming differences, seek early progress in dialogue and negotiation and, over time, achieve a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution to the issue," he said.

"China has always supported efforts to uphold the international nuclear nonproliferation regime and will continue to work with parties concerned and play a constructive role in seeking a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation," he said.

Earlier in the day, Yang met with his counterparts from the other four permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany on the sidelines of the ongoing General Debate on the Iranian nuclear issue. Yang told them the six countries should intensify diplomatic efforts, maintain and promote talks, stabilize the situation, and gradually seek a comprehensive, long-term and proper resolution.

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