MONTREUX, Switzerland, Jan. 22 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Wednesday with representatives of the Syrian government and opposition separately at the Geneva II conference, urging the two sides to seriously work for political reconciliation.

After separate briefings by Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Mualem as well as President of Syria's main opposition bloc Syrian National Coalition Ahmad Al-Jarba, Wang told the two sides that political settlement is the only practical and viable way to solve the three-year-old Syria crisis.

He said it is a hard-won fact that the warring sides have sat down together for the first time. Though they hold sharply conflicting stances, they should cherish the opportunity and move forward toward political reconciliation step by step.

The two sides should show enough sincerity, take constructive measures conducive to the development of political peace talks and meet each other half way, said the minister.

He called on the two warring sides to launch negotiations based on the Geneva Communique adopted at the Geneva I conference on Jan. 30, 2012, narrow their differences, build mutual trust and find a solution consistent with their national circumstances and acceptable to all parties.

As for the coming direct talks, Wang suggested they start with easier issues and proceed in a gradual manner to first reach framework consensus on the principles and the direction of the talks, and at the same time realize ceasefire and stop violence as soon as possible to create favorable conditions for the negotiations.

He reiterated that China is a true friend of the Syrian people and has no private interests in Syria.

"China consistently holds an impartial and justicial stand on Syria. We treat all sides without prejudice. China will respect and support all plans which conform to Syrian people's interests and are acceptable to all relevant parties," said the diplomat.

During the meetings, the two Syrian warring sides said they believe political settlement is the only correct way out of the crisis.

They also said the Syrian people value their friendship with the Chinese people, view China as their true friend and appreciate the positive efforts made by China for the political solution of the Syria crisis.