VIENNA - China welcomes Iran's engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on clarifying the possible military dimensions to the country's nuclear program, a senior Chinese diplomat said here on Tuesday.

China believes that progress made in agreeing on a structured approach reflects Iran's positive posture in stepping up its dialogue and cooperation with the IAEA, said Cheng Jingye, China's permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna.

He made the remarks at the ongoing IAEA Board of Governors meeting at the headquarters of the UN nuclear watchdog in Vienna.

"We encourage Iran to further demonstrate flexibility, and conclude and sign with the Agency (IAEA) the agreement on the structured approach aimed at clarifying relevant outstanding issues as soon as possible," Cheng said, adding that "we also encourage Iran to make further active efforts in implementing the relevant resolutions of the Agency's Board of Governors and the UN Security Council."

Cheng hoped that the IAEA will continue and intensify dialogues and cooperation with Iran with an objective, impartial and professional approach.

Noting that new progress has been made in recent dialogue at Baghdad between Iran and Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany, Cheng stressed that the parties concerned will remain patient, flexible and practical.

The parties concerned should accommodate each other's concerns, address differences appropriately and make active efforts for a positive outcome in the new round of talks between Iran and the six countries in Moscow scheduled for June 18-19, Cheng added.