China's mediation in South Sudan problem not for own interests: FM

KHARTOUM, Jan. 12 -- China is mediating between Sudan and South Sudan not for its own interests but acting on the responsibilities and obligations of a responsible world power, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Sunday.

Wang, who was in Sudan on what he described a visit of support, said achieving stability in South Sudan at an earlier date serves the interest of the people of South Sudan and the common wishes of Sudan and other countries in the region as well as those of China and the world community as a whole.

The Chinese minister made the remarks to reporters after a meeting with his Sudanese counterpart, Ali Karti.

China stands ready to work with countries in the region in staunch support of mediation efforts for an early return to peace in South Sudan, Wang said.

He reiterated China's support for Sudanese efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, to overcome its temporary economic difficulties, as well as its endeavors to maintain regional peace and stability.

Wang said China welcomes Sudan's national dialogue initiated by President Omar al-Bashir and would like to see a smooth conclusion of presidential and parliamentary elections in the country.

He said wars and conflicts hurt the oil industry, an area China, Sudan and South Sudan have had sound cooperation, and the people of Sudan and South Sudan are the first to be impacted, and that is definitely a scenario that China does not want to see.

As a friend of both Sudan and South Sudan, Wang said, China will continue its mediation efforts.