Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi has talked over the phone with Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi and his counterparts of some Arab nations over the situation of Syria.

Stressing that China has made efforts to maintain peace and stability in Syria and the Middle East, Yang said it is an urgent task for the conflicting sides in Syria to halt violence immediately so as to start an inclusive political dialogue and discuss reform plans as soon as possible.

The international community should create favorable conditions in this regard and provide humanitarian aid to Syria, said the Chinese minister, who also had phone conversations with his counterparts Mohammed Kamel Amr of Egypt, Saud al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia and Mourad Medelci of Algeria on Monday and Tuesday.

China is willing to work with the Arab nations to promote a peaceful and proper settlement of the Syria issue, Yang added.

Appreciating the long-time friendly cooperation between China and Arab nations, the Arab officials said they want to maintain consultation and coordination with China, and hope to seek an early and negotiated solution to the Syria issue.