The Foreign Ministry said Tuesday Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Seoul this week for talks on the North Korean nuclear issue.

The ministry said in a statement that during his three-day stay here beginning Friday, Wang will call on Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon and meet Vice Foreign Minister Choi Young-jin and Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Soo-hyuck.

The ministry said the South Korean and Chinese sides will discuss ways to boost bilateral ties and to promote cooperation for the peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue.

Wang served as Beijing's chief delegate at the first round of six-party nuclear talks held in the Chinese capital in August.

He is expected to serve in the same capacity at the second round of nuclear negotiations scheduled to open on Feb. 25th.