China calls for new talks between Iran, G6

BEIJING - A Foreign Ministry spokesman on Friday encouraged Iran to further strengthen cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and called for a new round of talks between Iran and the G5+1 (Russia, China, Britain, France, the U.S. and Germany).

"Dialogue and cooperation is the only way to appropriately resolve the Iranian nuclear issue," spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular press briefing.

Hong's remarks came after Iran and the IAEA ended their one-day talks on Thursday, with Iran saying the negotiations were constructive and good progress was made. The two sides also agreed to hold another round of talks on January 16, 2013.

"We encourage Iran to further strengthen cooperation with the IAEA and we hope that a new round of talks between Iran and the G5+1 will be held as soon as possible so as to arrive at a comprehensive, long-term and appropriate solution," Hong said.

He said China will maintain communication with all parties involved.