Six-party talks on the Korean nuclear issue will be held in Beijing on August 27, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced in Beijing yesterday.

　　The meeting between officials from China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the United States, South Korea, Russia and Japan is scheduled to last three days.

　　The convocation of the meeting represents an important step toward a peaceful solution to the Korean nuclear issue, the ministry said.

　　As host of the event, China stands ready to make all neccesary preparations and work with the other parties to promote the process of dialogue so as to ensure peace and stability along the Korean Peninsula, according to the ministry.

　　"China and South Korea have common interests in solving the nuclear issue of the DPRK peacefully through dialogue," said Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

　　Li made the remark during a meeting with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun at the Presidential Office in the South Korean capital.

　　"The successful startup and continuance of the six-party nuclear talks tally with the interests of every con-cerned party," said Li.

　　"China welcomes South Korea's attendance at the meeting, and hopes Seoul will play an active and constructive role," Li said to Roh Moo-hyun.

　　Roh thanked the Chinese government for its role in setting up the meeting.

　　"South Korea will cooperate closely with China in the frame of the six-party talks, trying to resolve the nuclear issue through peacefully means," Roh said.

　　Li also met South Korean Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun yesterday.

　　Li will ends his three-day visit to South Korea today.