On January 14, 2011, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton as well as senior officials of foreign ministries of China, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and Germany held a meeting in London. All parties exchanged views on issues concerning the upcoming talk of EU and the six countries with Iran to be held in Istanbul, Turkey. Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hailong attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Wu said that China has always advocated resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogues and negotiations. The talk of EU and the six countries with Iran will contribute to increasing mutual understanding and trust between the two sides. The Chinese side made positive comments on the talk of EU and the six countries with Iran in Geneva last December, he said. China hopes the parties will adhere to resolving the issue through diplomatic negotiations. The parties should work together with an attitude of flexibility and pragmatism to build mutual trust and make continuous progress in the dialogue process. China expects the upcoming talk in Istanbul to yield positive outcome. China is willing to make joint efforts with all parties to maintain the dialogue process and seek a comprehensive, long-term, proper and effective solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.