BEIJING (AFP) - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday told German Chancellor Angela Merkel it was still possible to find a solution to the standoff over Iran's nuclear program, state media reported.

"There is still a possibility of solving the Iran nuclear issue within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency," Wen said in a telephone conversation with Merkel, according to the Xinhua news agency.

"China supports the dialogue and negotiations conducted by the European troika and Russia with Iran," Wen said. The troika refers to Britain, France and Germany.

Earlier in the day foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang also said there remained space for a solution within the framework of the IAEA.

A crucial meeting of the Vienna-based IAEA board of governors, scheduled for Monday, could help towards this objective, Qin told a regular briefing.

"The international community should continue to commit to negotiations and achieve progress soon. We hope that the review of this issue at the March IAEA board meeting will facilitate these goals," he said.