Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki Thursday that China will continue to play a "constructive" role in properly settling Iran's nuclear issue.

In their talks on Thursday afternoon, Li spoke positively of Sino-Iranian relations. He said he believes bilateral friendly cooperative ties will continue to move forward through joint efforts.

Li said China always holds that Iran's nuclear issue should be settled through diplomatic means within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"We support Iran and the EU to continue negotiations to seek a long-term solution, and hope the negotiation will resume as early as possible," he said.

Mottaki said Iran and China have conducted "fruitful" mutual-beneficial cooperation in various fields. Iran appreciates China's constructive role in the proper settlement of Iran's nuclear issue.

He reiterated Iran's rights to peacefully use nuclear energy, saying his country is ready to resume negotiations with the EU and continue its cooperation with the IAEA.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2005)