¡¡¡¡BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- The Chinese government has decided to appoint Wang Shijie, a senior diplomat, as its special envoy for the Middle East issue, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kong Quan at a regular press conference here Tuesday.

¡¡¡¡China, as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, has always been deeply concerned about and has actively participated in the region's peace process, and has strived to promote the appropriate solution of the issue through peaceful means, Kong said.

¡¡¡¡In addition, he said, leaders from the Arab world have repeatedly urged China to play a larger role in the Middle East issue, and China's appointment of an envoy is a response to their pleas.

¡¡¡¡The Chinese Foreign Ministry recently notified several Arab countries, as well as the Israeli side, of the appointment, and all parties welcomed the decision.

¡¡¡¡Kong said following the appointment, China will further strengthen contacts and consultations with the Arab and the Israeli sides and the international community as well, making unremitting efforts for peace in the region.

¡¡¡¡The spokesman said the Chinese government will send the envoy to visit the Middle East "at an appropriate time." Enditem