Chinese special envoys to make shuttle visits to Middle East, Africa

BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese special envoys will embark on shuttle visits to countries in the Middle East and Africa later this month in bids to promote peace talks and de-escalate tensions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Monday.

Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, will visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in early-to-mid November, Mao told a regular press briefing.

Liu Xianfa, special representative of the Chinese government on African affairs, will visit Ethiopia, Djibouti and Egypt in early-to-mid November, said Mao, adding that Hu Changchun, special envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will visit Eritrea in early November.

The envoys will implement a series of initiatives and proposals on promoting peace and security in the Middle East and the four principles for the constructive participation of all parties in the settlement of hotspot issues in Africa put forward by President Xi Jinping, said the spokesperson.

Mao noted that these visits are aimed at promoting peace talks, de-escalating tensions, and playing a constructive role in safeguarding regional peace and stability.