China hopes Iran positively addresses the common concerns of the international community on the nuclear standoff, said Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Beijing on Thursday.

Li made the remarks when meeting with visiting Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchiry.

"China sticks to its consistent position to seek a peaceful solution on the Iran nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiations," Li said, noting that the international community should continue diplomatic efforts for an early resumption of the negotiation.

Araghchiry said Iran is ready to reach a fair and reasonable solution to the nuclear issue through negotiations.

In addition to the nuclear issue, Li Zhaoxing and Araghchiry also exchanged views on China-Iran relations and other international and regional issues of common concern.

Also Thursday, Assistant Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai hold talks with Araghchiry.

When asked to make comments on the current situation of the nuclear issue, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang told a regular press conference that China hoped Iran positively addresses the common concerns of the international community and the UN Security Council resolution 1737.

Qin said the international community should keep calm and restraint to push for the resumption of negotiations through diplomatic efforts, including efforts outside the UN Security Council.

China is ready to work with other concerned parties to play its role for a proper and peaceful solution to this issue, Qin noted.

The Security Council voted unanimously in December to impose mild sanctions against Tehran for its nuclear defiance. It gave Iran two months to suspend uranium enrichment and return to the negotiating table.

The International Atomic Energy Agency announced last week that Tehran had failed to meet the deadline.

The five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany met in London on Monday for further moves to make Iran comply with demands to end its nuclear program.

Source: Xinhua