China reiterated its commitment to support Sudan's peace process, stressing that peace, stability and development of the country were of pivotal importance.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (R) meets with his Sudanese counterpart Ali Karti in Beijing, China, Dec. 8, 2010. [Zhang Duo/Xinhua]

"The involved parties should resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation and work together to promote a smooth referendum in southern Sudan," Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing on Wednesday.

Yang's remarks came during the talks with his visiting Sudanese counterpart Ahmed Ali Karti. He also voiced the call for the referendum to be conducted in a "fair, free and transparent" way to reflect the true aspirations and choice of the Sudanese people.

Restoring the peace between the north and south of Sudan and promoting their joint development serves the fundamental interests of the two sides and would also contribute to peace and stability of the region, Yang noted.

A referendum on self-determination for southern Sudan is scheduled to be conducted on Jan. 9, 2011, as it was stipulated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) inked between north and south Sudan in 2005, which ended a two-decade civil war between the two sides.

Karti said Sudan highly values its friendly and cooperative ties with China in various fields, pledging that the Sudanese government would adhere to its commitment to promote peace and national reconciliation and implement the CPA by substantial and effective approaches.

As Yang's guest, Karti arrived in Beijing on Wednesday. It is his second official trip to China within three months since becoming foreign minister. The previous visit took place on Sept. 14 this year.