Chinese ambassador Wu Hailong on Thursday expounded China's position on the Iran nuclear issue, backing efforts to resolve the issue "within the framework" of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

China also encourages Iran and the European Union (EU) to continue dialogue and negotiations to seek a long-term solution to the nuclear issue, Wu told the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting.

"China believes that using diplomatic means within the framework of the Agency (IAEA) to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue is conducive to peace and stability in the region concerned, is conducive to safeguarding the international non-proliferation regime, and is in line with the fundamental interests of all parties," Wu said.

The Chinese ambassador said the "urgent priority" is for the EU and Iran to resume negotiations at the earliest date possible.

"Through negotiations, each party can fully state its case and make its own demands, and the two sides can find the best balance that is conducive to safeguarding the interests of both parties," he said.

Wu urged Iran and the EU to "take a long-term perspective" and to realize "what really is in their own long-term fundamental interests, and what really is a realistic and feasible solution."

"It is critical that the resolution of the Agency's Board of Governors and the Paris Agreement should be properly implemented, that confidence-building measures should continue to be taken, and that the understanding of the international community should be increased," he said.

On the other hand, Wu said "Iran's legitimate concerns should be treated fairly and objectively."

"We call upon the EU and Iran to take practical steps, at an earliest possible date, to resume their negotiations," he said.

Wu said China believes that there is still "a lot of room" for a solution to the Iran nuclear issue within the framework of the IAEA.

"We hope that the parties concerned will judge the situation properly, and demonstrate the greatest measure of political will and of flexibility, each taking into full account the interests and concerns of the other side," he said.

The ambassador stressed that China stands ready to work with all parties to play a constructive role in continued diplomatic efforts toward resolving the Iran nuclear issue.

Source: Xinhua