Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 31, 2014. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

BEIJING, Oct. 31 -- Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday.

Zarif is in Beijing to attended the fourth ministerial conference of the Istanbul Process on Afghanistan held on Friday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Hassan Rowhani have met several times over the past year. The two countries have maintained close contact between high-level officials and steady growth of practical cooperation, Yang said.

He said China was ready to work with Iran to advance bilateral relations.

Yang said that all relevant parties should seize the current momentum and work toward a comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue at the earliest possible date.

Zarif said Iran placed great importance on developing relations and expects to further deepen friendly cooperation with China.

He expressed appreciation for the unique and important role China played in the Iranian nuclear issue.