China on Thursday welcomed and supported foreign secretary level talks between India and Pakistan, hoping the momentum of dialogue and cooperation could be sustained.

"We are delighted to know that foreign secretary level consultations between India and Pakistan have taken place. We hope the talks can deliver substantial results," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said.

The improvement and progress of India-Pakistan relations are conducive to the peace, stability and development not only in South Asia, but also in the Asian region as a whole.

The India-Pakistan foreign secretary level talks began in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon. This is the first secretary level meeting between the two countries since the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack.

The Indian delegation headed by Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao met with the Pakistani delegation headed by Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir at Hyderabad House in central Delhi.