BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua) -- China considers the peace agreement the Sudanese government signed with a main rebel faction in Sudan's Darfur region as an "important step" in settling the Darfur issue in an all-round way, said State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan on Wednesday.

    Tang made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol, who is here to attend the foreign ministers' meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday.

    "China firmly supports Sudan's peace process," Tang said. Not long ago, the Sudanese government and a main rebel faction in Sudan's troubled Darfur region reached a peace deal. "China appreciates the peace agreement and regards it as an important step in comprehensively solving the Darfur issue," he said.

    Tang called on relevant parties to seriously implement the agreement. "China will continue to contribute to Sudan's peace and stability," he added.

    The Chinese government attaches great importance to China-Sudan friendly cooperation, and has been committed to promoting bilateral ties towards a direction of mutual benefits and common prosperity, Tang said.

    Lam Akol said Sudan appreciates China's support and is promoting the peace process step by step.

    "Sudan is ready to actively cooperate with the United Nations and the international community to promote the peace process and economic reconstruction of the south and Darfur," he said.

    Tang also met with Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Amr Mahmoud Moussa on Wednesday. The two sides conferred on building a China-Arab forum that will help promote China-Arab ties. Enditem