Chinese delegation to attend Iran nuclear talks

A Chinese delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu will attend nuclear talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany on April 14, it has been announced.

The talks will take place in the Turkish city of Istanbul, according to a statement issued Tuesday by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

It quotes Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin as saying that the resumption of talks is the result of joint efforts by all parties involved and doesn't come easily.

He said China hopes all parties take advantage of the opportunity and launch a constructive and sustained dialogue with flexibility and sincerity.

"China urges all parties to remain patient, build up mutual trust step by step and properly resolve the Iranian nuclear issue with a comprehensive and long-term solution," Liu said. "China is willing to work with all parties to continue to play a positive role in the issue."