KHARTOUM, Jan. 12-- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Monday that his current visit to Sudan is a demonstration of Beijing 's support to the African nation, which is at a crucial social and economic development stage.

At a banquet hosted by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, Wang, who held a special consultation with the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the South Sudan conflicting parties earlier on the same day, also said that China is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

For his part, al-Bashir said that bilateral ties are facing new opportunities, and that Sudan is ready to work with China to explore new areas of cooperation, strengthen coordination on issues concerning regional peace and security, so as to lift the bilateral relationship to a new height.

"The enduring Sudan-China relationship continues to develop, and serves as an example for South-South cooperation. We always understand and support each other on regional and international issues," al-Bashir said.

He also hailed the success of the China-proposed Special Consultation in Support of the IGAD-led South Sudan Peace Process, saying it contributed to promoting the South Sudan peace process.

Wang said China values its traditional friendship with Sudan, and is willing to promote bilateral ties with a strategic vision and a long-term perspective.

He also said that China is ready to explore new potentials with Sudan, promoting sustainable development in traditional areas of cooperation, actively discussing new cooperation model, and exploring new areas of cooperation.

Wang said that China is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region, and that the one-day intensive Special Consultation, during which five points of consensus were reached, is a helpful attempt of China to support the Africans to solve African problems through African ways and to make positive contributions to regional peace and stability.

"China is willing to maintain close communication and cooperation with Sudan on this issue," he added.