After talks, Liu told reporters that they had had a good discussion on the Darfur issue and its settlement.

China is ready to further cooperation with Sudan, the United Nations, the African Union, regional countries and all parties concerned to find a long-term and proper solution to the Darfur issue, said the Chinese envoy.

Liu said the peacekeeping task conducted by the hybrid UN and African Union (AU) force in Darfur has already achieved some progress, which is largely neglected by the Western media.

The envoy said people in Darfur have suffered too long, urging all parties involved in the conflict to find a quick solution.

"We need a quick solution. We need the conflict in Darfur to end sooner," he said.

Liu also held consultations with Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary Mutrif Siddig.

After a trip to Britain, Liu arrived in Khartoum on Sunday for a four-day visit, the fourth since his appointment on May 10, 2007.

The former Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe and South Africa has been engaged in African affairs for more than 25 years. During his previous missions, Liu shuttled between the United States, Britain, Egypt and other countries concerned to seek support for a solution to the Darfur issue.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2008)