Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Wednesday called on parties concerned with Iran's nuclear issue to step up diplomatic efforts to achieve an early resumption of talks on the issue.

Foreign ministers from China, the United States, Russia, Britain, France and Germany convened a meeting on Iran's nuclear issue at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, exchanging views on the current situation of the issue and the following steps to be taken.

A joint statement issued after the meeting said the six countries were committed to solving Iran's nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation, hoping for an early resumption of the talks.

Addressing the ministerial meeting, Yang said it conformed to the common interests of the international community to solve Iran's nuclear issue through peaceful negotiation.

The parties concerned should seize the favorable opportunity at the moment, step up diplomatic efforts and push for a positive outcome from the upcoming meeting between the six powers, European Union and Iran, Yang said, adding that countries should seek a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution to the issue.

Yang said China will contribute to the negotiation process and work with international community in a constructive way.

The talks between the six powers and Iran are expected to be held on Oct. 1 in Turkey, according to EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

The United States and other Western countries claim that Iran intends to secretly develop nuclear weapons. The UN Security Council also requires Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activity.

Iran, however, insists that its nuclear plan is only for peaceful purposes, vowing to continue its uranium enrichment activity despite pressure and sanctions from Western countries.

(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2009)