China said on Thursday that in the process of addressing the Libyan issue, Africa's concerns should receive adequate attention and Africa's views should be duly respected.

Wang Min, deputy permanent representative of China to the UN, said at a Security Council open debate on the impacts of the Libyan conflict on the Sahel region in northwestern Africa.

Wang said that the Libyan conflict has a grave impact on the political, security, economic and humanitarian situation in the Sahel region. The large scale of return of foreign nationals in Libya has created a heavy economic and social burden to the countries in the region. The proliferation of weapons has further encouraged cross-border organized crime and terrorism.

"The negative impact of the Libya situation will continue to grow, posing a sustained threat to peace and stability in the region. China expresses its grave concern in this regard," he said.

In order to eliminate the above-mentioned negative impact, the regional countries have made positive efforts assisting their own nationals to return and integrate into local society, strengthening border control and cooperation in justice and law enforcement.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other sub-regional organizations have made full use of existing mechanisms in coordinating relevant effort of the countries in the region. China expresses its appreciation in this regard, Wang said.

"The negative impact of the Libyan conflict should not be shouldered by Africa alone," Wang said.

The international community should provide active assistance to the countries and organizations in the region, seriously consider and effectively implement the relevant recommendations of the report of the assessment mission, and in this process enhance communication with countries and regional organizations, he said.

The UN relevant agencies should give full play to their respective expertise and to gain more international support for this region, he added.