The second round of the six-party talks on the nuclear issue of Korean Peninsula will begin in Beijing on Feb. 25, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said in Beijing Tuesday.

Zhang said at a regular press conference that she was entrusted to make the announcement and the date was fixed on the basis of consultations between all concerned parties.

The Chinese side is currently in discussions with other parties on the details of how to ensure the smooth progress of the talks, said Zhang.

Zhang said that the Chinese side has kept contacts and close consultations with concerned parties for a period of time and gradually expanded their consensus in order to continue the peaceful talks process and keep the momentum of solving the issue peacefully through dialogues.

All concerned parties agreed that conditions for the opening of the second round of the six-party talks have been in place, said Zhang.

She expressed her belief that all concerned parties will, in the spirit of mutual respect and equal consultation, push for substantial progress in the second round of the six-party talks by showing sincerity and flexibility to the utmost for cooperation.

The first six-party talks were held in Beijing from Aug. 27 to 29, 2003.