BISHKEK - China is willing to make constructive efforts on advancing the Iranian nuclear talks, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday while meeting with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani.

Xi said China believes that Iran's legitimate rights should be respected, and China upholds the principle of resolving the issue through dialogue and negotiation.

While praising the positive signal sent by Iran's new government, the Chinese president pointed out that the nuclear issue is a vital one concerning Iran's interests and regional peace and stability, urging relevant parties to focus on advancing substantial dialogues and seeking a win-win solution of mutual benefits in the upcoming stage.

Both Xi and Rouhani are in Bishkek for the 13th meeting of the Council of Heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, scheduled to be held on Friday.

China is a member of the SCO, while Iran became an observer in 2005.