China advocates Iranian nuclear dialogues

Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Beijing on Friday and told him that it is China's persistent policy to solve Iranian nuclear issues through dialogues and cooperation.

New progress has been made during the talks in Baghdad, Hu said, adding that China hopes the Iranian side can weigh up the situation, take a flexible and pragmatic approach, have serious talks with all six related nations, and enhance dialogues and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency so as to ensure the tensions can be eased through negotiations.

He also said China will continue to play a constructive role in settling the issue through peaceful means.

Hu said the growing China-Iran relationship has brought substantial benefits to the peoples of the two countries over the past several years.

China would like to work with Iran in strengthening exchanges between the two nations' top leadership, governmental bodies, legislatures and political parties, he added.

Hu suggested the two countries also promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and maintain contacts and coordination on major international and regional issues so as to preserve regional peace and stability, and enable common development.

Ahmadinejad pointed out that Iran and China are both ancient civilizations, linked by the centuries-old Silk Road.

Iran would like to strengthen its friendly ties with China, expand cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, agriculture, as well as infrastructure, and boost people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The Iranian president also introduced his nation's nuclear policies and said Iran hopes to ease tension over the subject through negotiations, adding that it would make further efforts and continue to maintain contacts with all sides.

Before the talks, President Hu held a welcoming ceremony for Ahmadinejad at the Great Hall of People.

Ahmadinejad is in Beijing for a visit to China. In the Chinese capital, he also attended a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, in which Iran is an observer state.