Chinese UN Ambassador Li Baodong said in New York Wednesday that the only ways to solve the Iran nuclear issue are through dialogue and negotiation.

"China is of the view that the only ways to achieve comprehensive, lasting and proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue are to carry out dialogue and negotiation on the basis of gradual and orderly development, as well as equal and mutual benefit because this is in the common interest of the international community," Li told a Security Council meeting about the council's sanctions committee on resolution 1737, which was adopted in 2006.

The 1737 committee is tasked with monitoring a set of sanctions against Iran established by resolution 1737 and subsequent council resolutions.

China has always attached importance to the work of the committee and will continue to provide its active support, Li said.

Meanwhile, China also expects the panel of experts to continue to carry out its task under the leadership of the committee as mandated by the resolution and in an objective and prudent manner so as to facilitate truly the comprehensive and effective implementation of the resolution, he said.

"We hope all parties will move towards each other, take on the difficulties and step up diplomatic efforts, use innovative thinking and take new measures for mutual trust so to create conditions for the proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, " Li said.

China has taken note of the newest report by the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the nuclear issue of Iran, said Li, adding that China has always believed that as a state party to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran enjoys the rights of peaceful use of nuclear energy and should carry out its international obligations.

"At the same time, China hopes Iran and IAEA will keep alive and strengthen their dialogue and cooperation and solve properly the relevant issues with a view to increasing the international community's confidence about the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program," the Chinese ambassador said.

Li said in the current circumstances, it is all the more important to continue to work steadfastly for dialogue and negotiation in order to find a proper solution to the Iranian nuclear issue as it will contribute, in a practical manner, to the maintenance of peace and stability in the Middle East region.

"China is confident that so long as all parties demonstrate patience, take a flexible and pragmatic approach, mobilize positive factors and take the initiative to build up mutual trust, the progress in the dialogue and negotiation will benefit," Li said.