The six-party talks have entered a stage of earnest, candid and pragmatic discussion on substantial issues, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang said Thursday in Beijing.

"I hope all parties can continue to make concerted efforts to press ahead the talks in a patient manner," Qin said.

Qin confirmed that 25 bilateral consultations have been conducted in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse so far with 13 of the one-on-one meetings involving Chinese side.

On this stage, Qin said, all parties voiced their respective stance which help to narrow down the differences and expand consensus.

Spokeswoman of the Chinese delegation to the six-party talks Jiang Yu also revealed late Thursday afternoon that the focus of the fourth day's discussion is on some substantial issues.

"These discussions are conducive and helpful to bridge the gap, " Jiang said.

Source: Xinhua