Former German President Richard Von Weizsacker said here Monday that China should continue to push forward for the settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue so as to exert a positive influence on the Iran nuclear issue.

Weizsacker made the remarks when meeting with Xu Kuangdi, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, a Chinese advisory body.

Xu said the changing world situation spells both opportunities and challenges, and citizens the world over desire a harmonious world with long-term peace and common prosperity.

"To achieve this goal, we need concerted efforts from the international community including both China and Germany," Xu added.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in environmental protection.

Weizsacker served as German president from 1984 to 1994. He was invited to Beijing by China Institute of Strategic Studies, a think-tank on international issues.

Source: Xinhua