Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili will head to China Thursday to discuss a range of issues, including Tehran's nuclear issue, local satellite Press TV reported Wednesday.

During his visit, which comes at the invitation of Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo, Jalili was scheduled to meet high-ranking Chinese officials to discuss Iran's nuclear issue, the report said.

Issues of mutual interest and ways to promote cooperation between the two countries were also to be discussed, Iran's state IRIB TV reported.

China has said diplomacy and peaceful talks are the most effective way to solve the Iran nuclear issue.

"Peacefully solving the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomacy and talks is in the interests of the parties involved and regional peace and stability," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular press conference last Thursday.

The United States and Western allies have accused Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian program.

Iran has denied the accusation and stressed its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.

(Xinhua News Agency April 1, 2010)