UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 10 -- A Chinese envoy said Monday the mutually acceptable settlement through dialogue is the best approach to solving Kosovo issue.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at a meeting of the Security Council on Kosovo.

"China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and understands the legitimate concerns of that country on the question of Kosovo," Wang said, highlighting that Resolution 1244 (1999) provides the essential legal basis for finding a solution to the question of Kosovo.

Referring to the security situation in Kosovo which remains calm, Wang said China commends Serbia for its efforts in finding a political solution to the question of Kosovo.

"China believes that the best approach in that connection is to find a mutually acceptable settlement through dialogue and negotiations on the basis of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and within the framework of the relevant Council resolutions," he noted.

The envoy also said that China encourages both Belgrade and Pristina to continue to pursue the pragmatic and constructive dialogue, actively implement concluded agreements, practically protect the legitimate rights of the different ethnic groups of Kosovo, so as to enable the people to benefit the dividend of peace and development as soon as possible, while contributing to peace and stability in the Balkans and Europe at large.

Meanwhile, Wang commended the efforts carried out by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), saying that "We hope that the international presences, including UNMIK, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Force, will strengthen their coordination and work in synergy so as to play a positive and constructive role in facilitating a solution to the question of Kosovo," he added.