China and Russia have reached common ground on major international issues as Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin met in Moscow yesterday.

After their talks, the two leaders signed a joint statement, outlining the two countries' concerted attitudes to and stances on some major international issues.

On Iran's nuclear issue, China and Russia reiterated that a peaceful settlement through negotiation was the only way out of the current nuclear impasse, the statement said.

Acknowledging Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear technology within the framework of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, the two countries called on Tehran to take on its obligations and implement related UN resolutions, the statement said.

China and Russia vowed to make every effort to push forward the negotiation to seek lasting and comprehensive solution acceptable to parties concerned, it added.

On the Korean peninsula's nuclear issue, China and Russia reiterated their support for denuclearizing the peninsula, which was vital to peace, security and stability of the Asian-Pacific region, the statement said.

Both sides agreed to honor their commitment within the framework of the six-party talks and to make continued efforts to settle the issue through diplomacy after taking into consideration the rights and concerns of all parties, it said.

On Iraq's situation, China and Russia supported strengthening of international coordination to help Iraq realize stability and safeguard its unification and territorial integrity, the statement said.

Both sides hoped all parties and groups in Iraq would open dialogue in a bid to realize national reconciliation, it added.

On the Arab-Israel conflict, China and Russia agreed that negotiation based on UN resolutions and related international documents was the only way to solve the conflict in a just, comprehensive and reliable way, the statement said.

Both sides upheld all efforts made by the international community, especially by the Mideast Quartet, in achieving normalization of the Mideast region and resuming peace talks among the Palestinians, Syria and Lebanon, it said.

The two countries noted that broadly representative and well-prepared international conferences would be one of the most effective ways to achieve the above goals, it added.

On Afghanistan, China and Russia advocated the promotion of the country's peace reconstruction process and supporting the Afghan government's efforts to bring peace, security and prosperity to the country, it said.

The two sides also pledged to promote cooperation in fight against drugs stemming from Afghanistan. Establishing an anti-drug safety zone would play an essential role in winning the battle, the statement said.

Hu flew into Moscow earlier in the day for a three-day state visit, during which he will also meet other Russian leaders and attend activities marking the "Year of China" in Russia.

During Hu's visit to Russia in July 2005, China and Russia agreed to mark the "Year of China" in Russia this year. Events marking the "Year of Russia" in China were held last year.