China and Iran will discuss the further development of bilateral ties during Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki's visit to China, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan in Beijing Thursday.

Mottaki arrived here Thursday morning on a two-day official visit as guest of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Kong said at the regular press conference that Chinese leaders will meet Mottaki and the two foreign ministers will hold talks. The two sides will focus on furthering bilateral relations under the new circumstances and exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern.

He said the Iranian nuclear issue will be another topic between the two sides and China holds a supportive attitude toward the negotiations between Iran and the three European countries.

China hopes all parties will properly settle the issue within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency through peaceful negotiations, especially about finding a long-term solution, said Kong.

He said China hopes Iran, the European Union and other parties concerned will break the deadlock with patience, flexibility and concrete and pragmatic steps, and resume dialogues, consultations and negotiations on this issue as early as possible.

Source: Xinhua