The fourth round of six-party talks opened in Fangfeiyuan, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse at 9 am on July 26, 2005. The delegations from China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United States, Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan and Russia attended the meeting. Chairman of this round of talks, Head of the Chinese delegation and Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei hosted the meeting.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing delivered an opening speech on behalf of the host country. He expressed warm welcome to the delegates from the various countries and appreciations to the parties concerned for their commitment to peace.

Li stressed it is in the interests of all parties to realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and maintain the lasting peace and stability of the region. It is the only correct choice to stick to the peace talks and six-party talks represent a realistic and effective way to resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue peacefully through dialogue.

He noted that the six parties reached a consensus in the last three rounds of talks on sticking to the goal of realizing a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, to the direction of dialogue and peace talks and to the maintenance of peace and stability on the peninsula. The consensus has been widely welcomed by the international community and should be cherished. The parties concerned and the international community expect the new round of talks to score new progress. It is hoped that the parties concerned can realize the historical responsibilities and lofty missions on their shoulders, adopt a flexible and pragmatic attitude, respect each other and conduct negotiations on an equal footing so as to enhance mutual understanding and trust, put aside differences and seek common grounds, and push the talks for positive progress on the basis of the achievements scored during the previous three rounds of talks.

Li said the talks are likely to encounter various difficulties or setbacks. However, where there is a will there is a way. Through a step-by-step process, solutions will ultimately be found. The Chinese side will continue to coordinate and cooperate with the other parties and make unremitting efforts to realize a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and maintain regional peace and stability.

Head of the DPRK delegation Kim Kye-gwan said his country would like to make joint efforts with other parties in the spirit of understanding and cooperation so as to push the six-party talks for substantive progress in the ultimate goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

Head of the US delegation Christopher Hill said the US regards the sovereignty of the DPRK as a matter of fact and it has no intention of dispatching troops to or attack the nation. The US would like to take corresponding measures to address DPRK's concerns over security and energy in the principle of speech for speech and action for action as long as the latter is willing to abandon its nuclear programs. The US is committed to making active and creative efforts to realize the goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

Head of the ROK delegation Song Min-soon, Head of the Japanese delegation Sasae Kenichiro and Head of the Russian delegation Alexander Alexeyev all indicated that they hope all parties concerned can show respect for each other and conduct negotiations on an equal footing so as to enhance mutual understanding and trust and push the six-party talks for progress.

The DPRK, US, ROK, Japan and Russia also expressed thanks to China for its unswerving efforts in resuming the six-party talks and for its thoughtful arrangement for this round of talks.

The delegations of the six parties held a meeting for the heads of delegations following the opening ceremony. Bilateral negotiations between the different parties were also conducted.