The working group of the six-party talks on the Korean nuclear issue will held its first meeting on May 12 in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan announced Thursday.

During a regular press conference, Kong said at present China has maintained close contact with related sides, discussing details of the arrangement of the meeting.

The meeting of the working group is the continuity of the six-party talks and one of its important components, said Kong, and China hopes related sides make efforts for the smooth opening of the meeting, Kong said.

The second round of the six-party talks, participated by China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Russia and Japan, was held from Feb. 25 to 28 in Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

During the talks, the six parties agreed to form a working group to prepare for the third-round of talks which is schedule to be held before mid of this year.